In Romans 5:18-21, Paul concludes his argument by highlighting the contrast between Adam and Jesus. He shows how Adam’s disobedience brought condemnation and sin to all, while Jesus’ obedience brings justification and life to all.
This passage sets the stage for Paul’s upcoming discussion in chapters 6-8, where he applies these principles to individuals, and in chapters 9-11, where he expands the focus to include nations.
Therefore just as one man’s trespass led to condemnation for all, so one man’s act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all.
For just 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.
But law came in, with the result that the trespass multiplied; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more,
So that, just as sin exercised dominion in death, so grace might also exercise dominion through justification leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 5.18-21).
Examples of God’s Grace
I have been reflecting on my ministry, which began in 1968. The first two people I shared the good news of Jesus with were teenagers. We met outside the church doors by the propane tank.
I fumbled through an explanation of the gospel, but despite my inexperience, they both experienced salvation through Jesus.
Even though my presentation was far from polished, God was gracious. These two men have gone on to live exemplary lives, positively impacting their families, places of work, and their daily walk with Jesus.
When I was attending seminary in New Orleans, I met a very troubled man who started coming with me to the church where I served. After one of the Sunday night services, as we were driving back to New Orleans, he asked me a question that essentially outlined the plan of salvation.
He asked, “If you pray that prayer, does that make you a Christian?” I responded by saying, “Yes.”
Just like the two young men from my first church, Jesus became real to him. He took this man’s life and transformed him completely.
When I was serving a church in Southeast Missouri, I visited a man in the hospital who struggled with alcoholism.
Just as my wife and I were preparing to leave that town to move to Independence, his sister stopped me on the street and said, “My brother’s about to die. Would you go by and talk to him about Jesus?”
I remember going to his mobile home, knocking on the door, and sitting down with him. I told him, “I’ve only got a few minutes because we’re leaving town in the next hour. If you want to get saved, let’s do it.”
Despite my lack of sympathy and kindness, he prayed a heartfelt prayer, and I am confident that one day I will meet him in heaven.
These stories, along with countless others from around the world throughout the centuries, underscore the truth of Paul’s words in the first chapter.
For I am not ashamed of the gospel; it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who has faith, to the Jew first and also to the Greek (Romans 1.16).
Romans 5 puts flesh on the bones of the statement in the first chapter. The good news is that whether you understand the theology or not, the gospel is God’s power to bring life-transforming activity to those who place their faith in Jesus.
YouTube Discussion
Rudy Ross and I discussed this passage on YouTube today. It is on the Bob Spradling channel.
Real Voices 