Passage: Romans 5:12-21 (ESV)
“Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned— for sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law. Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sinning was not like the transgression of Adam, who was a type of the one who was to come. 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. 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. 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. Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. 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. Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Exegesis and Key Themes
- Sin and Death Entered Through Adam (Romans 5:12-14)
Paul explains that sin entered the world through Adam’s disobedience, resulting in universal death because all sinned. Even before the Mosaic law, death reigned as the consequence of sin.
Cross-reference: Genesis 3:17-19, describing the entrance of death through Adam’s sin. - The Gift of Grace Abounds Through Christ (Romans 5:15-17)
Paul contrasts Adam’s trespass with Christ’s gift. While Adam’s sin brought death, Christ’s obedience brought justification and life. The grace of God not only counters sin but abounds, providing righteousness to many.
Cross-reference: Ephesians 2:4-5, highlighting God’s mercy and grace in making believers alive with Christ. - Condemnation Through Adam, Justification Through Christ (Romans 5:18-19)
Paul sums up the contrast: Adam’s one trespass brought condemnation to all, while Christ’s one act of righteousness brings justification and life.
Cross-reference: Isaiah 53:11, speaking of the righteous servant who will make many righteous. - The Role of the Law and the Triumph of Grace (Romans 5:20-21)
Paul explains that the law increased trespass by making sin more evident, but where sin increased, God’s grace abounded even more. Grace reigns through righteousness, leading to eternal life through Jesus.
Cross-reference: Galatians 3:24, explaining the law as a guardian to lead us to Christ for justification by faith.
Life Application
- Do I recognize the consequences of sin?
Reflect on the reality of sin and its pervasive effects. Psalm 51:5 acknowledges that we are born in sin. How does this shape your view of God’s grace and the need for salvation? - Am I living in the abundance of God’s grace?
Paul teaches that grace abounds where sin increased. Reflect on how you experience God’s grace in your life and how it provides freedom and confidence. - How does Christ’s obedience inspire my own?
Reflect on the power of Christ’s obedience to bring justification and life (Philippians 2:8). How can His example shape your daily walk with God? - Do I let grace reign in my life?
Paul contrasts the reign of sin with the reign of grace. Reflect on areas where sin still influences you and how you can allow grace to lead you into greater righteousness and life.
