Adam Part II

Background to passage: From Paul’s great “just and Justifier” passage, he continues to press the doctrine, understanding, and application of justification by faith alone in Christ alone. In our text, he speaks about how Jesus was the second Adam, and when he came into the world, he was to undo what the first Adam did. Jesus came in a manager to be the fullest form of humanity since Adam and to accomplish what Adam couldn’t. Untainted by sin, unbound to it’s internal brokenness, he chose death that we may have life.

Romans 5:15–19 ESV

15 But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man’s trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many. 16 And the free gift is not like the result of that one man’s sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification. 17 For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ. 18 Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. 19 For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous.

Opening illustration: Earnest Shackleton’s rescue of all 27 men from death during a failed attempt to cross Antarctica.

Main thought: In the birth of Christ we witness the earthly beginning of a heavenly rescue

1) Costly Sin vs. Free Gift (v. 15)

Romans 5:15 ESV

15 But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man’s trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many.

1) Costly Sin vs. Free Gift (v. 15)

Explanation: The trespass or sin was automatic. Some people call it original sin, but I don’t like the baggage that comes with it. Suffice it to say that because of the sin of Adam, the entire human race are sinners by nature and by choice. Paul contrasts that concept with a free gift of grace. When sin is committed or inherited, forgiveness must be granted. God’s forgiveness is free. It is not based on anything that we could do to earn it. It is a gift.

2 Corinthians 5:15 ESV

15 and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.

Illustration: Pardon in this life vs. pardon in the economy of God.

Application: Adam’s sin cost us much - a broken world in which we live, broken bodies, minds, emotions, and relationships. It is sentence we didn’t ask for, but affects every person. However, the free gift doesn’t cost you anything. However, it wasn’t cheap. It cost Jesus his life, all it cost you is repentance and belief. Salvation is full and free, given as a gift that you only need receive.

2) Condemnation vs. Justification (v. 16)

Romans 5:16 ESV

16 And the free gift is not like the result of that one man’s sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification.

2) Condemnation vs. Justification (v. 16)

Explanation: Paul speaks of the result of the one man’s (Adam) being judgment, which brought condemnation. The word means to render a verdict of guilty beyond any doubt. If justification is pronounced toward sinners individually, so much so is condemnation. Justification, however, means to declare righteous. It is a pronouncement that a person is righteous by a judge or some other authority figure.

Romans 3:21–26 ESV

21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

Romans 8:31–39 ESV

31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? 33 Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Illustration: the falsehood of the “just if I’d never sinned.”

Application: The second Adam brings us assurance that by grace through faith in Christ alone, we possess imputed, alien, foreign righteousness. There is no condemnation for those in Christ. Satan cannot rightfully accuse us; we will never lose genuine salvation; our relationship with God is not based on anything we have done, are doing, will do, but on Christ’s righteousness given to us.

Because of this,

We respond with gratefulness and thanksgiving and live a life of holiness in pursuit of God’s will for us.

We should feel and exhibit much humility because God saves us in spite of ourselves.

We can share our faith boldly because we can offer peace not based on our works or theirs.

We can have comfort in trials because your salvation depends on on your circumstances, successes, or failures, but in Christ alone.

We can experience great unity as a church because our faith rests not on each other or various means, but we have all be graced the same way.

3) Reign of Death vs. Reign of Life (v. 17)

Romans 5:17 ESV

17 For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.

3) Reign of Death vs. Reign of Life (v. 17)

Explanation: Still thinking of the first man Adam, he clearly restates about how death came because of Adam’s sin, but he goes a little further in saying that death reigned. He said the same in v. 12-14. Note the permanence and calculative nature of death, whereas grace is overflowing and abundant and incalculable. He goes back to the “gift of righteousness” abundant and free and says those who are in Christ will reign.

1 John 5:11–12 ESV

11 And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.

John 5:24 ESV

24 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.

Revelation 22:5 ESV

5 And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.

Illustration: “When death reigns, human beings are its helpless victims; when Christ reigns, they share his risen life and royal glory”

Application:

1. **Victorious Living**: Believers are called to live victoriously, not defeated by sin or circumstances. Understanding that they reign in life through Christ empowers them to overcome challenges and temptations. This involves relying on the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance and trusting in God's promises to sustain them through life's trials.

2. **Joy and Peace**: Reigning in life through Christ provides an inner joy and peace that transcends external situations. Believers can experience a profound sense of well-being and contentment, grounded in their relationship with God. This joy and peace are evident in their interactions with others and in their approach to life's pressures.

3. **Influence and Impact**: As those who reign in life, believers are equipped to positively influence their surroundings. They can bring light and hope to their communities, workplaces, and families by exemplifying the character of Christ. This includes acts of compassion, integrity, and service that reflect God's kingdom values.

4. **Resilience in Adversity**: Understanding their position in Christ helps believers endure and remain steadfast amid adversity. Even in difficult times, they are reminded of their authority over life's defeating forces, empowering them to navigate hardships with faith and resilience.

5. **Confidence in Prayer**: Reigning in life encourages a confident prayer life. Believers can approach God boldly, knowing they have been given authority through Christ. This confidence fosters a deeper, more intimate relationship with God, enhancing their spiritual growth and effectiveness in intercession.

4) The Gospel with No Rivals (v. 18-19)

Romans 5:18–19 ESV

18 Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. 19 For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous.

Romans 5:20–21 ESV

20 Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, 21 so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

4) The Gospel with No Rivals (v. 18-19)

Explanation: Simply put, just couldn’t leave these last couple of verses unread. They again repeat the greatest news ever. You don’t have to earn your salvation. Jesus earned it for you. He paid your penalty and God received it as fully sufficient to save.

Isaiah 53:11 ESV

11 Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities.

2 Corinthians 5:21 ESV

21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Philippians 3:9 ESV

9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—

Illustration:

Application: You can’t be good enough, try hard enough, add up enough points to even seek an audience with the Master of the Universe. You must simply come empty-handed, repent and believe, swearing allegiance to King Jesus, and just as you are, he will remove condemnation, apply justifying righteousness, and make you a son and an heir with Christ to reign forever. Forever starts the moment you believe.

Closing illustration: the woman who had never been told that Jesus paid it all and she didn’t have to be good enough. It was a revelation and her statement was that it was a huge weight lifted off her shoulders...

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