One Man’s Sin, Another’s Redemption: The Gospel in Romans 5
We all know the world isn’t how it should be. Pain, brokenness, and death are woven into the human experience. But why? According to Romans 5:12-21, everything traces back to one man—Adam. Through his sin, death entered the world. But God didn’t leave us there. Through Jesus, the curse was reversed, and a new way was made—one marked by grace, righteousness, and eternal life.
One Man’s Sin, Everyone’s Problem
Sin entered the world through Adam, and with it came death—not just physical death, but spiritual separation from God. This wasn’t an isolated issue. Romans 5:12 tells us, “In this way, death spread to all people, because all sinned.” The ripple effects of Adam’s disobedience reached every corner of humanity. We inherited not only his sin nature but also the consequences of it.
The law, given later through Moses, didn’t fix the problem—it revealed it. Like an X-ray shows a broken bone but cannot heal it, the law exposes our spiritual condition without offering a cure.
The law, given later through Moses, didn’t fix the problem—it revealed it. Like an X-ray shows a broken bone but cannot heal it, the law exposes our spiritual condition without offering a cure.
But Where Sin Multiplied, Grace Multiplied Even More
Here’s the turning point: Jesus. Where Adam failed, Jesus succeeded. Paul compares Adam to Jesus not to highlight their similarities, but to reveal Jesus as the greater, redeeming opposite.
Adam’s act brought condemnation. Jesus’ obedience brought justification. Through one man, many were made sinners. Through another, many will be made righteous (Romans 5:18-19). The contrast couldn’t be more profound.
Paul emphasizes this truth using repeated phrasing: “How much more…” The gift of grace is not equal to the curse—it far outweighs it. Jesus doesn’t just balance the scales; He tips them completely in our favor. His gift is overflowing, lavish, and more than enough.
Adam’s act brought condemnation. Jesus’ obedience brought justification. Through one man, many were made sinners. Through another, many will be made righteous (Romans 5:18-19). The contrast couldn’t be more profound.
Paul emphasizes this truth using repeated phrasing: “How much more…” The gift of grace is not equal to the curse—it far outweighs it. Jesus doesn’t just balance the scales; He tips them completely in our favor. His gift is overflowing, lavish, and more than enough.
You’re Not Just Forgiven—You’re New
The good news doesn’t stop at forgiveness. When you place your faith in Christ, you don’t just get patched up—you are made new. You don’t just receive mercy—you are given righteousness. God doesn’t see you as a sinner who got off the hook. He sees you clothed in the righteousness of His Son.
That’s not just theology; it’s your new identity.
That’s not just theology; it’s your new identity.
Living in Response to Grace
The message of Romans 5 demands a response. If we’ve truly grasped what Jesus has done for us, our lives should reflect it. We live differently—not to earn God’s favor, but because we already have it. We serve, give, forgive, and worship out of gratitude.
When sin reigned, death ruled. But now, grace reigns—and that changes everything.
When sin reigned, death ruled. But now, grace reigns—and that changes everything.
Practical Takeaways
- Understand the problem: We’re all affected by Adam’s sin. Without Christ, we’re spiritually dead.
- Recognize the solution: Jesus’ death and resurrection offer justification and life to all who believe.
- Embrace your new identity: In Christ, you are not merely forgiven—you are righteous.
- Live differently: Let your daily life reflect the grace you’ve received.
This blog is based on a message preached by Student & Family Pastor Steven Scifers on Sunday, July 6, as part of the Romans: The Righteousness of God series. You can watch the full message here.
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