Thoughts on the Epistle to the Romans (104) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

And the gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned. For the judgment which came from one offence resulted in condemnation, but the free gift which came from many offences resulted in justification. For if by the one man's offence death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the one, Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:16.17


Thoughts on the Epistle to the Romans (104)

We have already considered the contrast between Adam and Christ and their influence on their respective "families". Adam's sin caused damaging loss for all. The gift of God in Christ, however, has an abundantly beneficial effect on all who through faith belong to Him.

Verse 16 then continues from persons to acts and their immediate consequences regarding their position before God. Through Adam one occurrence, a single sinful act brought about condemnation. Through Christ and God's gracious gift in Him people are placed on a righteous standing from many transgressions.

Verse 17 develops the comparison even further, putting the final result in the foreground. Adam's sin led to the reign of death over all his offspring. The final result that Christ has brought about makes all believers recipients of the "abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness". They are thereby enabled to "reign in life".

Death no longer has dominion: faith reigns in the power of life through Jesus Christ. The full extent of this is yet future (cf. ch.8, v.17). But here we have an indication of what the following chapters deal with: the possibility of a victorious Christian life here on earth.

(to be continued next Sunday)