Romans 5:12-21 Part 3

Romans 5:12-21 Part Three

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— 13for before the law was given, sin was in the world. But sin is not taken into account when there is no law. 14Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who did not sin by breaking a command, as did Adam, who was a pattern of the one to come.

15But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many! 16Again, the gift of God is not like the result of the one man’s sin: The judgment followed one sin and brought condemnation, but the gift followed many trespasses and brought justification. 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.

20The law was added so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more, 21so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Let’s look first at two of theses verses 18 & 19

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.

All, many, which one is it? There are some that follow the theology that everyone goes to heaven, or that Christ died for everyone’s sins. And yet others would say that only some will go to heaven or that Christ only died for those who would have faith in Him. So I think it is important to take a look at what God says about this.

18Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men.

19For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners.

We have been declared sinners from birth. We know this because sin brings death God tells us and we know everyone dies both young and old.

18The result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men.

19The obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.

The gift of righteousness (Christ’s work on the cross for sins) is given (by grace) freely to those who have faith in Christ. Not to those who do not have faith.

Christ’s work on the cross covered sin for all those who have and will have faith in Him. Christ’s work on the cross can only be for all those who have or will come to Christ in Faith, and it cannot be for all people or everyone would be saved. Also salvation is not something you loose once gained. Christ tells us that no one can take you from Him once His Father has given you to Him.

Being Justified means to be made in right standing before God. Only believers are given this by the righteousness of Christ and His payment for the sins of those God called.

John 17:8-10 - 8For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me.

9I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. 10All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them.

So when we see words like all when it comes to salvation God is telling us that it is all those who will come to faith.

Remember the Bible does not contradict itself. God is perfect. If it appears that way it is that we just have not completely understood it yet. Maybe we never will. That’s ok also. We are not to question Gods way of doing things. God tells us, who is the clay to tell the potter what to make of it. We are just the clay, and God is for sure God.