Two Representatives

Series: Made Right with God

Sermon 5: Romans 5:12–17

Title

Two Representatives

Alternative titles:

In Adam or In Christ

The Power of One

The Two Kingdoms

Whose Family Are You In?

Big Idea

Our eternal destiny is determined not by our own righteousness but by the representative to whom we belong.

Fallen Condition Focus

We naturally think of ourselves as independent individuals whose standing before God rests solely on our own actions. Paul shows that humanity has always stood under the leadership of a representative.

Central Idea of the Text (CIT)

Paul explains that Adam's sin brought death and condemnation to all humanity, but Christ's obedience provides a far greater gift of righteousness and life to all who receive Him.

Sermon Structure

I. Adam Introduced Sin and Death

(vv. 12–14)

Paul begins with Adam.

"Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man..."

Notice the progression.

One man.

One sin.

One entrance.

Death enters creation.

Death spreads.

Death reigns.

Paul's concern isn't merely why people die physically.

He's explaining why every human being lives under the curse of sin.

Even before Moses gave the Law,

people died.

Why?

Because death isn't merely the punishment for breaking Mosaic Law.

Death entered through Adam's rebellion.

Teaching Emphasis

Adam as covenant representative

Original sin

Universal death

Why everyone dies

Sticky Statement

Sin entered through one man, but death reached every man.

Application

Every funeral reminds us that something is terribly wrong with creation.

Death isn't natural.

It is the consequence of sin.

II. Adam Points Us to Christ

(vv. 15–17)

Now Paul begins comparing Adam with Jesus.

But notice—

he spends more time contrasting them than comparing them.

Five times Paul emphasizes the greatness of Christ.

"Much more..."

"The free gift..."

"Abundance of grace..."

Adam gave us what we earned.

Christ gives what we never could.

Adam's one sin condemned millions.

Christ's one sacrifice justifies millions.

Adam's kingdom is ruled by death.

Christ's kingdom is ruled by grace.

Teaching Emphasis

Contrast:

Adam

One trespass

Condemnation

Death reigns

Christ

One act

Grace

Justification

Life reigns

Sticky Statement

Jesus didn't merely undo Adam's damage—He overwhelmed it with grace.

Application

Many Christians think salvation merely returns them to Eden.

Paul says something better.

Christ gives more than Adam lost.

Believers don't simply recover innocence.

They receive righteousness.

They become heirs.

They reign with Christ.

III. Grace Gives Us a New King

(v. 17)

Verse 17 reaches the climax.

Notice the reign language.

Death reigned.

Now believers reign in life.

This is kingdom language.

Before Christ:

Sin ruled.

Death ruled.

Condemnation ruled.

Now:

Grace rules.

Life rules.

Christ rules.

This is not merely a future promise.

Paul says believers begin living under a different King now.

Sticky Statement

The gospel doesn't just forgive your past; it gives you a new King.

Application

Ask:

Who rules your life?

Fear?

Performance?

Sin?

Shame?

Or Christ?

Conclusion

Every person belongs to one of two families.

Adam's family inherits:

Sin

Death

Condemnation

Christ's family receives:

Grace

Righteousness

Eternal life

The gospel isn't simply about improving behavior.

It's about changing kingdoms.

Gospel Invitation

You entered Adam's family by birth.

You enter Christ's family by faith.

The first Adam brought death.

The last Adam brings life.

Receive the abundance of grace offered in Christ today.