Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

October 28, 2001

Series: Romans Chapter 5

“ADAM AND CHRIST IN CONTRAST”

Romans 5:15-17

I must confess that the following verses are extremely complicated. We’ll work through each thought very carefully.

We have seen that in verse 14 Adam is a type of Christ in contrast. Now that contrast is explained.

But the free gift is NOT like the transgression. For if by the transgression of the one the many died, much more did the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abound to the many (verse 15).

Paul says that free gift is not like the transgression. Through the transgression of the one man, Adam, the many (all) died. Much more did the grace of God and the gift of grace through the one Man, Jesus Christ, abound to the many. That is, in its restorative effect grace surpassed the transgression. This is saying that we got much more in Christ than we lost in Adam.

This thought continues in verses 16 and 17:

And the gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned; for on the one hand the judgment arose from one transgression resulting in condemnation, but on the other hand the free gift arose from many transgression resulting in justification.

For if the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.

1. Through the transgression of the one (Adam) the many died. This means that the effects of Adam’s sin extended to the whole of the human race.

2. In a much greater degree, the restorative grace of God extended to the many who believe. This takes us beyond where Adam was in his innocence and exalts us to the heavenlies in Christ.

External judgment came to all men through the one who sinned (Adam). On the other hand, the free gift arose from many transgressions resulting in justification. That is to say the many transgressions (the sins of the entire human race) caused by the one transgression of Adam were put upon Jesus Christ on the cross. This resulted in justification for all believers through the one act of the Last Adam (Jesus).

My suggestion is that you read carefully through this complex passage to grasp the wonderful truth that the Holy Spirit is conveying to us. God bless.

Love to you all,