Creator, Father, King #265

When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned.

Romans 5 IS A potential land mine chapter.

The first eleven verses are wonderfully controversy free, filled with beautiful descriptions of justification by faith (verse 1), sanctification through trials (verses 3-5), and reconciliation through Christ (verses 10-11). But in verses 12-21, the apostle Paul brings up an important topic that, if misunderstood, might cause some readers to veer into spiritually dangerous territory. We need to properly understand this critical section of Scripture about our sinful natures.

Today’s verse brings us back to that fateful moment in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve disobeyed God and ate the forbidden fruit: “When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned.” In the rest of the chapter, Paul masterfully discusses that while sin and death came through Adam (as humanity’s first, fallen covenantal representative), salvation comes through Jesus (humanity’s superior “Adam”).

What’s It Mean?

Romans 5 is an amazing chapter, juxtaposing death in Adam with eternal life in Christ. However, some people read today’s verse and get defensive, saying, “That’s not fair! Why do I have to pay for Adam’s sin?”

If you’re asking that question, here are two important considerations:

1. Have you ever sinned in action, thought, or motive? Of course. We all have (Romans 3:23). While Adam was the original sinner, you are responsible for your own transgressions. The Bible states very clearly that God will judge every individual according to their own deeds (Romans 2:6-11) and how they respond to his Son (John 3:18).
2. If you don’t think the message of Romans 5:12-21 is fair, consider the double standard you might be keeping in your heart: you can’t gripe that one man’s sin (Adam’s) brought death to all humanity while praising God that another Man’s death and resurrection (Christ’s) brings eternal life to all who believe.

But remember, too, the truth of verse 15: “There is a great difference between Adam’s sin and God’s gracious gift. For the sin of this one man, Adam, brought death to many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of forgiveness to many through this other man, Jesus Christ.” Adam’s sin—despite its terrible effects—cannot compare to the present and eternal blessings that God bestows on all believers through Jesus!

Don’t get tripped up on self-made land mines. Glory in what God has done for you in Christ!

Now What?

Read Genesis 3 and Romans 5 to continue your study contrasting Adam and Christ.

Did You Know?

Paul also mentions the Adam/Christ comparison in 1 Corinthians 15:22, 45.