Mankind Is Not In Control

MANKIND IS NOT IN CONTROL

Romans 5:12, 17-19 - February 29, 2004

ROMANS 5:12,17-19

12Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned—

17For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ.

18Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men. 19For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.

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Dearest Fellow-Redeemed and Saints in the Lord:

Do you like to be in control? That is probably an easy question. There are many times we like to be in control as much as possible. But when we look at our lives and the big picture in this universe, we soon realize that many times we are not in control. When we are driving we need to be in complete control. We don’t like to run into the ditch or run over stray animals or drive too fast. As we drive that is in the realm of our being in control.

But when we look around us, we realize we can’t control much else. We can’t control the weather. We can’t control the future, and that list goes on. The Lord reminds us, as much as we plan and like to think we are in control, in the book of James we are reminded: "Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes" (JAMES 4:14). Thus, Scripture describes our lifetime. In the big picture of things during our lifetime, no matter whether our life is long or short, it is like a mist in comparison to eternity, and in comparison to the rest of the world.

Today, our text reminds as Paul points out that mankind is not in control. We are not in control since Adam and Eve first sinned, because by mankind’s disobedience, this brought into the world sin and death. Thankfully, mankind is not in control concerning salvation, for God’s plan of salvation through His Son Christ Jesus and His perfect obedience provides grace and life.

MANKIND IS NOT IN CONTROL

I. Mankind’s disobedience brings sin and death.

II. Christ’s perfect obedience brings grace and life.

I. Mankind’s disobedience brings sin and death.

As you heard the reading of our text this morning, you probably have already picked up on the discouraging parts. It is almost 50/50 of the discouraging parts compared to the encouraging parts. The discouraging part is the fact that our world is no longer perfect. The discouragement is the fact that sin is in this world and is very much alive and well. Verse 19 reminds us: 19For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners. One man disobeyed; and because of that, the world became sinful. It uses the word many that sometimes some take that word and say, "Well, not everybody is a sinner. Some are good." Only many were made sinners. But Paul explains so there is no mistake. Verse 18 says: 18Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men. Trespass, sin, disobedience are all the same. Now, he says not just for many, but also for all. That word "many" meaning all men suffer the result of the disobedience of the one man. He wants to make that point very clear.

So our text began with that word in verse 12: 12Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned--. No one escapes. No one is born into this world sinless, but full of sin. Then he says: 17For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man. The results of sin are very obvious--death came into the world. When Adam and Eve were placed in the Garden of Eden, the Lord’s plan for them was that they would live there forever, because it was already perfect. It already was heaven on earth, but they disobeyed. Perfection came to a crashing halt. That is the one man who disobeyed. That one man who committed sin is our very first parent. Since that time just as sure as we are passed earthly traits from our earthly parents, whether the previous generation or generations before, you and I have inherited sinfulness. Sinfulness has been passed down from Adam and Eve to every generation and will be until the end of time.