16Nor can the gift of God be compared with the result of 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 one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people.
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 brought in 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.
Romans 5:16–21 (NIV)
Commentary
We often feel a sense of helplessness regarding the fact that we became sinners through one man’s transgression. The reign of sin and death constantly condemns us, and we exhaust ourselves trying to achieve salvation through our own righteous acts, only to fail. This inner conflict leaves us weary and trapped in spiritual impatience.
The Apostle Paul proclaims that just as through the disobedience of one man many were made sinners, so through the obedience of the one man many will be made righteous (v. 19). Because of Jesus Christ’s one righteous act—His obedience—we have been justified and brought to life. "Where sin increased, grace increased all the more," so that grace might reign through righteousness (vv. 20–21).
Today, rest in the assurance that your salvation depends not on your own performance, but on the perfect obedience of Jesus. Obedience is the model set by Jesus and the source of authority for reigning in life. When you live a life of obedience empowered by grace, you will break free from the reign of death and enjoy the spiritual freedom of victory in life.
Difficult Words
- Through the Obedience of the One Man:Refers to the perfect obedience of Jesus Christ and His sacrifice on the cross. This is the sole basis upon which those who believe in Him are made righteous.
- Grace Might Reign Through Righteousness:Represents a state where God's grace, given through Christ's righteousness, governs powerfully, transcending the dominion of sin and death.
My Meditation Record
1
What was the result of one man’s trespass, and in contrast, what did many people receive through the obedience of the one man? (Refer to vv. 18–19)
2
Are you currently struggling to justify yourself through the law or your own works? What spiritual comfort does the phrase "where sin increased, grace increased all the more" give you?
3
Meditating on the truth that "through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous," give thanks for Jesus Christ’s obedience today. Relying on His grace, find one small command to obey as a way to overcome your own weaknesses.