17For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!
21so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
- P73
18Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people.
19For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.
20The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more, - P73
Sin entered the world through one man and death came through sin. Deathreigned even before the Law was given. But God‘s gift is not like Adam‘strespass. - P73
Through one man‘s trespass, many died, but through one man‘srighteous act, many are made righteous. Just as sin reigned in death, gracenow reigns through righteousness to bring eternal life. - P73
Paul explains how sin and death entered the world through one man, Adam. Adam’s disobedience was not just a personal failure but a representative act with consequences for all humanity. He introduced death into the world through his sin, and people have been dying since, even before the Law stipulated penalties for sin. - P74
Because of Adam, all people are born into sin and are spiritually dead. Therefore, the need for salvation is universal, just as the rule of death is universal. But the story of humanity does not end with brokenness. - P74
Jesus Christ, the second Adam, introduced forgiveness, life, and restoration into the world through His sacrifice, and these are available to all who trust in Him. - P74
Paul contrasts Adam and Jesus Christ with regard to how their actionsaffected many. Adam‘s one act of disobedience brought sin, judgment, anddeath to all humanity. Jesus‘ act of obedience brought justification, grace,
and life. Adam represents the fallen, sinful humanity we are all born into.
- P74
Jesus, the second Adam, represents a new humanity: a redeemed peoplewho receive God‘s abundant grace and are given a life of righteousness. Theweight of Adam‘s failure is overwhelming, but God‘s grace is far greater.
- P74
Where sin increased, grace increased all the more. This is the heart of thegospel: that no matter how deep our sin, God‘s grace through Jesus Christalways goes deeper - P74
Lord Jesus, thank you for rescuing me from the grip of sin and death. I acknowledge my brokenness and need for Your saving grace. - P74
Help me to live in the light of Your righteousness, no longer defined by Adam’s fall, but by Your victory. In Your name I pray, amen. - P74
God converses with us primarily through His words in Scripture.
We can also use His words to respond to Him.
Use the following guide to pray through this week‘s memory verse.
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with Godthrough our Lord Jesus Christ. - Romans 5:1 - P75
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