April 16, 2018
Related in Adam, Reborn in Christ
Romans 5:12–18
Kirby Wagner
Central Truth
We are condemned in Adam, but redeemed in Christ. Judged because of the former. Justified through the latter.
Romans 5:12–18
Death in Adam, Life in Christ
12 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men 1 5:12 The Greek word anthropoi refers here to both men and women; also twice in verse 18 because all sinned— 13 for sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law. 14 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.
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 2 5:18 Or the trespass of one led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness 3 5:18 Or the act of righteousness of one leads to justification and life for all men.
Dive Deeper | Romans 5:12–18
I used to tell classmates that I was related to Noah from the Bible. It was a fun fact to share when my classmates were related to Abraham Lincoln. I also told my friends we were related because somewhere down the line, we shared great-grandparents in Adam and Eve. It’s funny that my poor genealogy (study of family history) was actually good theology (study of God and religious belief). Even though I wasn't related to my BFF, we shared a covenantal father in the person of Adam.
Through Adam, I have inherited guilt and deserve death. Before you get all mad at Adam, I want you to think about what you would've done in the Garden when Satan himself was talking to you. If you think you might've chosen differently, while I commend your optimism, I also challenge your confidence. Unfortunately, I think that, with or without the hiss of the enemy, the “God-fruit” would've eventually (if not immediately) enticed me.
If it seems unjust to be counted guilty because of the actions of one man, I want you to consider the justice of one man bearing the consequence (read: WRATH OF GOD, Romans 3:24-25) for your sin and everyone else’s. That is exactly what Jesus did. In the same way we are descendants of Adam, we all have the opportunity to be reborn in Christ (Romans 10:9-10; 2 Corinthians 5:17).
The Bible says that we all are sinners by nature and by deed. We are sinners because of Adam and because we choose to sin. The Good News is that Jesus chose, too. He chose the cross. Where Adam’s choice led to the condemnation of all men, Jesus' choice leads to freedom from the bondage of sin, blessing on this side of heaven, an eternity spent on the other, and the ultimate complete restoration of the earth to a new earth.
This is imputation in the Bible: Adam's original sin to the human race, the sin of the human race to Christ on the cross, and divine righteousness to all who trust in Christ for salvation.
So before you curse Adam (and Eve) for burdening you with a sinful nature and death, remember how Christ’s obedience to death (Philippians 2:8) counts for you as well. Turn your curse into humility and gratitude.
This month's memory verse
3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
– Romans 5:3–5
Discussion Questions
1. Have you realized your guilt and identified your need for Christ?
2. Have you taken ownership for your sin before God? Before others? Seek reconciliation today.
3. How can you imitate the humility of Christ and the love of God in your life today?
4. Do you believe that Jesus' death on the cross was enough to cover your past and present sins?
5. Reread Romans 5:5-8. Do you believe you are loved by God?