Romans 5:12-21 – One in Christ
Week 6 - March 30-April 5
“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. ”
Our second week in this passage focuses our attention on Christ. Jesus is the second Adam. Jesus finished the work for us that changed everything. Where sin and death reigned through Adam, grace has come through Jesus, leading us to life.
As we look ahead to holy week, it gives the chance for us to take extra time to reflect on what Jesus accomplished for us. This Sunday is Palm Sunday, marking the parade that escorted Jesus into Jerusalem and straight into the Temple courts as people cried out “Hosanna!” and sang to Jesus as a King. But His work wasn’t finished. He knew the mission He came to accomplish, and there was no easy way through it. He who knew no sin had to become sin if we were going to receive God’s righteousness. And Jesus was willing to lower Himself for our sake. He took on death itself for you so that you could have the righteousness that leads to life.
Questions to Ponder:
What has been the most significant realization you have had this Lent season?
Looking at your own life, when do you feel like you reflect Adam most or Jesus most?
What helps you remember your true identity in Jesus Christ?