Romans 5:12-21
Q.1. How did man inherit the sin nature? What plight did this sin bring? How do we know that sin’s penalty applied even before the Law was given? – (Rom.5:12-14)
Every man born of a woman carries the genes and flaws of Adam. Through our connection with Adam, we are part of the fallen race. Just like Adam’s sin issued forth in death, so this pattern has continued to this very day. Paul pointed out that not everyone has disobeyed an audible command of God, as did Adam. Nevertheless – death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those who had not sinned in the likeness of the offense of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come (Rom.5:14). Christ alone has had the sinlessness to overcome this death penalty. Peter declared on the Day of Pentecost – But God raised Jesus to life putting an end to the agony of death since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power (Acts 2:24).
Q.2. In what way was Adam a type of Christ? How did the grace of God overcome man’s transgression? Does God’s grace restore us to where we were? – (Rom.5:14-17)
The good news is that a new Adam has entered the battle for our souls. Here, Paul contrasted Adam and Christ as two corporate personalities or representatives (Rom 5:12–21 c.f. 1 Cor.15:20-23,45-49). He asserted that all believers bear the image of both Adam and Christ (1 Cor. 15:49). Where Adam’s disobedience meant sin and death for all, Christ’s obedience brought hope of salvation and eternal life. Through Christ we are made righteous and receive an abundance of grace (Rom.5:15-16). While sharing his insights on the subject of resurrection, Paul explained – The first man Adam became a living being – the last Adam, a life-giving spirit. The spiritual did not come first, but the natural, and after that the spiritual. The first man was of the dust of the earth, the second man from heaven. As was the earthly man, so are those who are of the earth; and as is the man from heaven, so also are those who are of heaven. Just as we have borne the likeness of the earthly man, so shall we bear the likeness of the man from heaven (1 Cor.15:45-49). Adam never had a heavenly body. His was an earthly one. By sending Jesus, God broke the time barrier, and gave the offer of right standing before Him, plus eternal life in a perfect heaven though faith in Christ. The perfection we could never achieve as sinners has been granted by God’s grace. It can be experienced through faith in the Saviour. Not surprisingly, God’s plan is absolutely brilliant!
Q.3. Is there a limit to the people who can gain a right standing with God? Why did God bring in His Law? How vast is God’s provision through Christ? – (Rom.5:18-21)
God, in His foreknowledge, has chosen only those who place their faith in His Saviour. However, such is the pricelessness of Christ, His atoning work has the power to save all born in the past, the present, and those yet to be born in the future – So then as through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men, even so through one act of righteousness there resulted justification of life to all men (Rom.5:18). Our connection to Adam left us guilty, imperfect, and fearing death. Our connection to Christ by faith has replaced that with acceptance, justification, hope, and confidence that we have a home in heaven (Rom.5:19). When we understand God’s grand plan, we recognise the purpose for the giving of the Law – The Law came in so that the transgression would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more (Rom.5:20 c.f. Gal.3:24). It is our inability to perfectly keep the Law that makes it obvious that we need the Saviour and overwhelms us with God’s generosity – … so grace would reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Rom.5:21). How fathomless is the Father’s love for us!