Other Side Of The Grave Series

Chico Alliance Church

October 7, 2001

Pastor David Welch

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“The Other Side of the Grave”

Romans 6:1-14

Review

Death has been on many minds over the past three weeks.

Thousands of funerals have been conducted in every available place of worship.

Death is an enemy.

Death stings.

The death experience has ripped its unwelcome way into every family since Adam and Eve.

It applies its craft through every conceivable means and manner.

The one stinging characteristic of death has to do with the severing of relationship.

In some ways, that can be considered a good thing.

Those struggling with the pain and agony of an illness often welcome death.

Others, struggling with the emotional pain of life, embrace death through suicide to escape.

The death of Christ paved the way to untold blessing for the one who believes in Jesus.

Paul wrote to the people of Rome to highlight God’s plan to conquer the devastating effects of death on the human race.

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After introducing his theme of righteousness in chapter one, Paul demonstrates the total inadequacy and inability of all men to measure up to God’s standard thus incurring the just penalty for rebellion – death.

Paul made it clear that no one, not even one person has ever or ever will live a life or righteousness necessary to relate to the Holy God.

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In light of such a dismal condition, Paul announces a most wonderful gift of God to all those who will embrace Christ.

God promises to justify every sinner who comes to Him in faith.

Biblical Justification goes beyond a declaration of innocence.

Justification credits perfect character, namely the character of Jesus to every believer.

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Paul enumerates many of the benefits of this special gift spanning the past , present and future.

In verses 12-21 he contrasts the consequences of connection with Adam and the blessing of identification with Christ.

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Entrance of sin/death came through Adam

Entrance of righteousness/life came through Christ 12-14

Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned— Romans 5:12

Many died in Adam

Many receive grace through Christ 15

But the free gift is not like the transgression. For if by the transgression of the one the many died, much more did the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abound to the many. Romans 5:15

Judgment and condemnation came to those in Adam

Righteousness and justification came to those in Christ 16

The gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned; for on the one hand the judgment arose from one transgression resulting in condemnation, but on the other hand the free gift arose from many transgressions resulting in justification. Romans 5:16

Those in Adam are ruled by death

Those in Christ rule in life. 17

For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ. Romans 5:17

One transgression brought condemnation to all associated with Adam

One act of righteousness brought justification of life to all associated with Christ

So then as through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men, even so through one act of righteousness there resulted justification of life to all men. Romans 5:18

One man’s disobedience made many sinners

One man’s obedience will make many righteous 19

For as through the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous. Romans 5:19

The Law augments and intensifies sinfulness

Grace always outdistances sin

The Law came in so that the transgression would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, Romans 5:20

Sin ruled in death through Adam’s sin

Grace rules to eternal life through Christ’s righteousness 21

so that, as sin reigned in death, even so grace would reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 5:21

Grace outruns sin so that those doomed to condemnation might enjoy eternal life.

Having presented the means God used to deal with the penalty of sin, Paul begins this section in chapter six exploring the principles related to overcoming the power of sin.

Up till now Paul focused our peace with God.

Starting in this chapter he addresses our practice of godliness.

He shifts from our legal status before God to our living style under God.

God’s work related to eradicating the penalty of sin is often labeled salvation.

God’s work related to conquering the power of sin is often labeled sanctification.

So far we have explored the results of Christ’s death FOR us.