________ WHY NOT ________
Romans Chapter 5
Rick Moffett
Note - A primary theme in this chapter centers around contrasting all mankind as they once were in Adam with who they can be in Christ. All mankind is born a sinner “in Adam”, but by faith, a person can be born again “in Christ”. When we receive Christ, we are baptized (placed into) him (Rom. 6:3-5). Being “in Adam” or “in Christ” refers to one’s spiritual identity.
In Adam, all men were –
Helpless (v6)
Ungodly (v6)
Enemies of God (v10)
Sinners (v8, 19)
Spiritually dead (v12, 15, 17, 21)
Under judgment (v16)
Condemned (v16, 18)
In Christ, all men are -
Justified (v1, 18)
At peace with God (v1)
Standing in God’s grace (v2,15,17,20,21)
Filled with joy (v2, 3, 11)
Filled with his love (v5)
Recipients of the Holy Spirit (v5)
Loved by God (v8)
Saved from wrath (v9)
Reconciled to God (v10, 11)
Saved by Christ’s life (v10)
Declared righteous (v17, 19, 21)
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V1-2
Therefore
having been
justified
by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.
Summary – Since we have been declared innocent (justified) by our faith, we have peace with God through Christ. We now stand firm in our new relationship of grace, which we have freely entered into, also by faith. And because of this new relationship, we rejoice as we confidently expect to share in God’s glory.
Comments – Whereas, once we were enemies of God (Rom. 5:10), now we have peace with God. We also have the peace OF God, which is the fruit of the Holy Spirit.
It is doubtful that we can fully understand the grace of God. From man’s perspective, grace is a receiving system of living. Grace can never be earned; it is freely received.
In contrast, living by law (a set of standards to which one must adhere) is an achieving system. Law requires man to perform to earn God’s favor.
We receive all that God gives us by faith alone. Through His grace, God has provided all that man needs! It is God’s grace that empowers us to do all that He has called us to do.
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V3-5 And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; 4 “and perseverance, proven character;” 5“and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”
Summary – We not only rejoice in the hope of glory, but we also rejoice in our trials and tribulations, because we know that, as we patiently endure in the midst of them, they produce proof to us that our hope (confident expectation) in God will not be disappointed. God confirms this through the Holy Spirit by filling our hearts with his love.
Comments – Notice Paul doesn’t say “for” our tribulations”, but “in” our tribulations.
How easy is it to rejoice in times of suffering and pain? Think back to the last hardship you faced. How did you respond?
Our difficult and trying times don’t take God by surprise. While I don’t believe God causes suffering in our lives, He certainly allows it. To rejoice during any difficult time, we must first know that we live in a sin-cursed world and that difficulties are sure to come. However, when we choose to rejoice in the Lord despite our miseries, a greater purpose will be accomplished within us and others.
Often the most difficult part of going through a time of suffering is that we fail to see God at work in our lives. We want relief from our misery and we want it now! But beware, for here is where we often encounter Satan, who is always there to suggest a way to get that relief. Of course, Satan came to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10); and that is exactly what his lies will produce (loss, death, and destruction).
It has been said – “there is always a reasonable alternative to faith”. And it is Satan who is quick to suggest a reasonable alternative to trusting God. Perhaps the hardest part of trusting God is waiting on Him to do something, i.e., something that we can see. But then it is no longer of faith if we can see it. Faith is the evidence of things “not seen” (Heb.11:1).
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V6-8
For
while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7
For
one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die.
But
God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
Summary – While mankind was powerless to do anything about his condition, God, in His perfect timing and a demonstration of His love, sent Christ to die for us, even though all men were yet sinners (had yet to be born again).
Comments – I often hear people say, “God helps those who help themselves”. That may sound good, but it is NOT TRUE! God helps those who can’t help themselves. He gives grace to the humble – those who acknowledge they are weak and in need of His help. Man cannot save himself. A dead man is completely helpless to bring himself back to life, and that is where all of us were at one time. Thank you Father for your gift of life in Christ Jesus! With Christ, man can go from helpless to hopeful!
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V9 “Much more then, having now been
justified
by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him.”
Summary – Since Jesus shed His blood and subsequently died so we could be declared innocent of the penalty of sin, most certainly we will be saved from wrath.
Comments – “Much more” should be taken to mean much more certainly, as opposed to more abundantly.
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V10
For
if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.”
Summary – while we were His enemies, Jesus’ death paid our sin debt and as a result, we have been changed from His enemy to His friend. So most certainly, we will be saved by His life.
Comments – All men are born enemies of God, having an attitude of hostility and resistance toward Him. It is important to note that it is not God that has hostility toward man. As we read in the previous verse, He loved us “while we were yet sinners”!
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V11 “And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.”
Summary – There’s more to rejoice about. We also rejoice in God, that through Jesus Christ we have received reconciliation (been changed from enemies to friends).
Comments – 3 times in this chapter Paul says we exult (rejoice). Why?
1. Our standing in grace and all that involves (justification and peace). (v2)
2. Our tribulations and the subsequent proven character that results. (v3)
3. Our reconciliation – we have been changed from enemies to friends with God. (v11)
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V12
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—”
Summary – a power called sin entered into the world by one man who we know to be Adam. This sin brought death into the world and it spread to all mankind, because all mankind, being born in Adam, was guilty of sin.
Comments – Sin always results in death. Death in the bible usually refers to separation, rather than annihilation. For example, when Adam and Eve ate from the forbidden tree in the Garden of Eden, they died just like God said they would. Their death was a spiritual separation from God.
Note– Paul uses the word sin (a noun) here to refer to a power that resides in our body and desires to control us. To comprehend Paul’s message in Romans, you must have a good understanding of the use of the word sin. (Please read The Controlling Power of Sin on this website before proceeding).
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V13
For
until the Law sin was in the world,
But
sin
is not imputed when there is no law.”
Summary - Though sin was in the world, it was not counted against man (imputed) because there was no law to disobey.
Comments – “imputed” – simply means to put on one’s account.
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V14 “Nevertheless death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those who had not sinned in the likeness of the offense of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come.”
Summary – Even though mankind’s sin was not counted against him (v13), death still ruled over mankind from Adam until Moses, i.e., from the time of Adam’s sin until the giving of the Law to Moses; and this, even though mankind had not committed an offense (broken a commandment) like that of Adam, who was an example of one who was to come (Christ).
Comments – We know that sin was in the world before the Law was given because death reigned over all mankind. And we know that death came because of the sin of one man Adam (v12). Adam broke God’s commandment not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The rest of mankind had not broken a commandment like Adam, since the Law had not yet been given (thus, there was no commandment to break).
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V15 “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.”
Summary – God’s gracious gift of Jesus Christ is not like the transgression (of Adam in the Garden). Since by the transgression of one man (Adam), all mankind died spiritually*, more certainly the free gift of life in Jesus Christ will abound to many.
Comments – Adam’s one sinful act in the garden resulted in death for all mankind. This death affected every aspect of man - spirit, soul, and body. As a result, all mankind is born spiritually dead to God (separated from God). Furthermore, our soul (mind, emotions, and will) was unable to function properly. We are told that we were “darkened in our understanding” and filled with ignorance and hardness of heart. (Eph. 4:17-18) And our bodies develop disease and dysfunction as they slowly die with age. Sin always produces death!
*All mankind is born spiritually dead to God, i.e., separated from the life of God. As previously mentioned, in the Bible, death often refers to separation, rather than annihilation.
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V16 “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
“
Summary - Adam sinned once and brought judgment resulting in condemnation to all mankind. Jesus died once and brought the gift (salvation) in response to the countless trespasses of all men, which resulted in justification.
Comments – see Additional Notes.
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V17 “
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.”
Summary - "For if one man's offense meant that men should be slaves to death all their lives, it is a far greater thing that through another man, Jesus Christ, men by their acceptance of His more than sufficient grace should live all their lives like kings!" (Romans 5.17, Phillips New Testament, Macmillan). Phillips New Testament Translation
Comments – Life is a person named Jesus. Jesus’ finished work at the cross defeated death. Those who receive him by faith will reign in union with Jesus (life) forever! Amen.
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V18 “
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.”
Summary - Again it is the one act of Adam, head of the human race, that brought condemnation to all men. And the one act of Jesus (head of the spiritual race of men) brought justification and life to all men (who received him by faith).
Comments – Paul contrasts the results of the one act of Adam (one transgression) with the one act of Jesus (one act of righteousness).
No Additional Notes
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V19 “
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.”
Summary - As Adam’s one act of disobedience caused all men to be constituted and by nature a sinner, so Christ’s one act of obedience caused all men (who receive him by faith) to be constituted and by nature righteous.
Comments – Paul continues to make contrasting statements about Adam and Christ. This time the contrast is between Adam’s disobedience with Christ’s obedience, whereas in v18 Paul was contrasting one transgression with one act of righteousness. It is important to note that we were made sinners because of Adam’s one sin; not because of acts of sin we committed.
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V20 “The Law came in
So that
the transgression would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more,”
Summary – God gave his Law (Mosaic Law) to reveal the sinfulness of man. But he also gave his grace far more abundantly and far more powerful than the power of sin.
Comments – The Law came in” – it was given to Israel by God for a specific purpose.
The Law did NOT come to:
Redeem man from his sinful state
Prevent man from committing acts of sin
Give man life
Change man’s heart
The Law was also given to show man that he could not keep it, thus the need for a savior! The grace of God provided that savior in the person of Jesus Christ. Amen.
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V21 “
So that
as sin reigned in death, even so grace would reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Summary – When the power of sin rules it produces death – spirit, soul, and body. When the grace of God rules it leads to eternal life in Christ Jesus.
Comments – Here we see two different ruling powers – sin vs. grace. Both desire to control us. The unsaved person has no choice but to submit to the power of sin. The new person in Christ can choose NOT to sin.
Additional Notes by verse
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V1
Therefore
having been
justified
by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.
Here, it refers back to the statements in chapters 3- 4 – man is justified by faith and not by works or keeping the Law.
“having been justified by faith,” - We are declared innocent from all sin as a result of our faith (in Christ’s redemptive work).
Notice that the justification is spoken of in the past tense. It was accomplished by the death of Jesus on the cross. The moment we placed our faith in Christ’s finished work, it was applied to our “account”. Jesus spoke the words on the cross, “It is finished” (single Greek word tetelestai). What he meant was that his redemptive work was completed. Papyri receipts for taxes have been recovered with the word tetelestai written across them, meaning "paid in full." Every sin you have committed or will ever commit has been paid for and thus, forgiven. Don’t listen to the enemy tell you otherwise.
“we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,” –
What does it mean to have peace with God? Before man was justified, he was an enemy of God (Rom 5:10). As a result of Christ’s redemptive work on the cross, we have been reconciled to God and are no longer enemies of God; we are at peace with him! Amen. For a better understanding, see - A New Creation in Christ Part 4.
Note – this is different from having the peace of God, which is a fruit of the Holy Spirit.
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V2 “through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.”
“through whom also” – referring to Jesus Christ.
“we have obtained our introduction” – from prosagōgē (Gr) – admission; access
Word Study – prosagōgē (Gr); translated “access” in KJV. – literally - "a leading or bringing into the presence of" (pros, "to," agō, "to lead"), denotes "access," with which is associated the thought of freedom to enter through the assistance or favor of another. It is used three times, (a) Rom. 5:2, of the "access" which we have by faith, through our Lord Jesus Christ, into grace; (b) Eph. 2:18, of our "access" in one Spirit through Christ, unto the Father; (c) Eph. 3:12, of the same "access," there said to be "in Christ," and which we have "in confidence through our faith in Him." This "access" involves the acceptance which we have in Christ with God, and the privilege of His favor towards us. Some advocate the meaning "introduction." Vine's Expository Dictionary
“by faith” – (not in all Greek manuscripts). – belief in the finished work of Christ (death, burial, and resurrection).
“… grace in which we stand” –
For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. John 1.17 (ESV)
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
I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus, 1 Corinthians 1.4
11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, 12 instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, Titus 2.11-13
For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 1.9 (NLT)
“stand” – histemi (Gr) - in this context speaks of figuratively standing. Stand is in the perfect tense which indicates past completed action with a present and continuing result. Refers to the permanent, secure position believers enjoy in God’s grace in contrast to our former state of condemnation. Matthew Henry Commentary
Our standing is in the person of Jesus Christ! Paul frequently refers to all believers as being “in Christ”. That is our spiritual identity.
“and we exult in hope of the glory of God.” -
The word “exult” here means to “keep on rejoicing”.
“hope” – elpis (Gr) - confident expectation (of that we do not yet see). It is not the
hope of unsure or doubt.
“glory” – dignity, honor, praise.
What is the hope of the glory of God?
In Romans 3:23 – it says that we all fall short of the glory of God. But, when we are spiritually reborn, we will share in God’s glory in Christ Jesus. All through the New Testament we are reminded of this truth - Rom. 8:17-30; 2 Cor 4:17; Col. 1:27, 3:4; 2 Thess. 2:14; Heb. 2:10; 1 Peter 5:1,10
Concerning the glory of God -
Will we - share his glory? Express his glory? Declare his glory? Yes, yes, and yes!
Paul says “we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God” – uses that word “rejoice”, 3 times in this chapter (v2, 3, 11).
From Ray Stedman -
As a Christian, if you really understand your theology, you will be rejoicing, even in the midst of suffering. As I look around at Christians, sometimes I wonder if they ever will grasp this idea. Some of them look like they have been marinated in embalming fluid. They never seem to rejoice. But Christian teaching and doctrine is designed to produce a spirit that can't help but rejoice. It is not something artificial -- screwing on a smile and pretending that you are happy when you are not. When you really understand Christianity, it will produce a rejoicing spirit. (If you're a glum-bum, just study the fifth chapter of Romans and it will turn you into a glad-lad!)
In subsequent studies, we will look at this three-fold division of Chapter 5: First, we learn to rejoice in our spiritual position; Then, to rejoice in our present troubles; and finally, we come to the place where we rejoice in God himself, our powerful Friend.
Ray Stedman - Raymond Charles Stedman (October 5, 1917 - October 7, 1992) was an evangelical Christian pastor, and author. He was a long-time pastor of Peninsula Bible Church in Palo Alto, California, and author of several books.
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V3 And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance;
“and not only this” - there’s more to come.
“this” refers back to those things mentioned in v1-2 - justification, peace with God, standing in grace, and joy as we confidently expect to reflect or to be an expression of God’s glory.
Paul says there’s more to rejoice about -
What is the “more to come” – tribulations!
“in our tribulations”-
Notice he doesn’t say “for our tribulations”, but “in” our tribulations.
What does tribulation mean? - pressure (literal or figurative): - afflicted (-tion), anguish, burdened, persecution, tribulation, trouble. Strong's Talking Greek Hebrew Dictionary
Word Study - tribulation – from the Greek word “thlipsis”
Figuratively thlipsis pictures one being "crushed" by intense pressure, difficult circumstances, suffering or trouble pressing upon them from without. Thus persecution, affliction, distress, opposition or tribulation, all press hard on one's soul. Thlipsis does not refer to mild discomfort but to great difficulty. In Scripture, the thlipsis is most often used of outward difficulties, but it is also used of emotional stress and sorrows which "weighs down" a man’s spirit like the sorrows and burden his heart. Thlipsis then includes the disappointments which can "crush the life" out of the one who is afflicted. preceptaustin.org
I recall one of my patients with Multiple Sclerosis who was about 50 years old. She could only move her head and shoulders. She was completely dependent on someone to care for her every need. I asked her if she knew Jesus Christ. She said yes and began to tell me how thankful she was that because of her physical limitations, she could spend all of her time just lying in bed talking with Jesus. She never complained, nor was there a hint of anger or resentment in her attitude. What a great example of this scripture she was! She was also a great encouragement to me. Rick Moffett
Our tribulations don’t take God by surprise. I don’t believe God causes pain and suffering in our lives, but He certainly allows it, knowing that a greater purpose may be accomplished within us.
I heard an old saying - If my master has me working by candlelight all night to complete a task; then I know the value of the task must certainly be greater than the cost of the candles I burned to provide the light. Unknown
When we believe Satan’s lies and take matters into our own hands (acting according to our flesh), it always eventually produces an undesirable result!
Can you think of an example of this in your own life?
5 Thus says the LORD, "Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind And makes flesh his strength, And whose heart turns away from the LORD. 6 “For he will be like a bush in the desert And will not see when prosperity comes, But will live in stony wastes in the wilderness, A land of salt without inhabitant. 7 “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD And whose trust is the LORD. 8 “For he will be like a tree planted by the water, That extends its roots by a stream And will not fear when the heat comes; But its leaves will be green, And it will not be anxious in a year of drought Nor cease to yield fruit. Jeremiah 17.5-8
"These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." John 16.33
“knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance” -
“perseverance” -
Word Study – perseverance - from root - hupomeno); cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy: - enduring, patience, patient continuance (waiting). Strong's Greek & Hebrew Dictionary
Usage Notes: lit., "an abiding under" (hypo, "under," menō, "to abide"), is almost invariably rendered "patience." "Patience, which grows only in trial, Jas.1:3, may be passive, i.e., = "endurance," Vine's Expository Dictionary
Perseverance - hupomone from hupo = under + meno = stay, remain, abide) literally means abiding under. The root idea of hupomone is to remain under some discipline, subjecting one’s self to something which demands the submission of one's will to something against which one naturally would rebel. It portrays a picture of steadfastly and unflinchingly bearing up under a heavy load and describes that quality of character which does not allow one to surrender to circumstances or succumb under trial. The picture is that of steadfastness, constancy and endurance. It has in it a forward look, the ability to focus on what is beyond the current pressures (eg Jesus "Who for the joy set before Him endured [verb form hupomeno] the Cross despising the shame" see notes on Hebrews 12:2).
And so hupomone does not describe a grim resignation or a passive "grin and bear" attitude but a triumphant facing of difficult circumstances knowing that even out of evil God guarantees good. It is courageous gallantry which accepts suffering and hardship and turns them into grace and glory. For believers, it is a steadfastness, especially as God enables us to "remain under" (or endure) whatever challenges, trials, tests, afflictions, etc, He providentially allows in our life. Hupomone is used 32 times in the NASB and is translated: endurance, 7; patient enduring, 1; perseverance, 21; steadfastness, 3. preceptaustin.org
So “perseverance” in this verse means the ability to remain faithful to the Holy Spirit’s guidance under great pressure to do otherwise. The battle between the indwelling Holy Spirit and our flesh is always going to be there as long as we are living on planet earth.
For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. Galatians 5.17
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V4 “and perseverance, proven character;”
Proven character is the result of this perseverance.
What is “proven character”?
“proven character” – dokimē (Gr) – test; by implication trustiness: - experience, proof, trial. Strong's Greek & Hebrew Dictionary
KJV translates it as “experience” –
Word Study – proven character from Greek dokimē - refers to a person who has successfully sustained the fiery test. He has learned that by God's grace he can endure. He can say from experience "I have trusted God in the middle of the trouble and found that God is faithful!"
In short, afflictions borne patiently show a Christian what he or she really is "made of". And so in the present context dokime refers to tried integrity or a state of mind which has stood the test. preceptaustin.org
The purpose of being tested is not to prove anything to God, for he is omniscient. He knows how all things begin and how they will end. Any test (tribulation) that we are allowed to go through is for our benefit. It is God allowing us the opportunity to trust him and not in our own abilities. And we don’t attempt to “pass a test” to gain or earn God’s approval. We are approved and accepted by God the moment we place our faith in Christ’s finished work at the cross.
We should like you, our brothers, to know something of what we went through in Asia. At that time we were completely overwhelmed, the burden was more than we could bear, in fact we told ourselves that this was the end. Yet we believe now that we had this experience of coming to the end of our tether that we might learn to trust, not in ourselves, but in God who can raise the dead. It was God who preserved us from imminent death, and it is he who still preserves us. Further, we trust him to keep us safe in the future, and here you can join in and help by praying for us, so that the good that is done to us in answer to many prayers will mean eventually that many will thank God for our preservation. 2 Corinthians 1.8-11 (Phillips NT)
“and proven character, hope;”
Hope may be defined as confident expectation.
My hope is not that of uncertainty, but rather confidence that God is at work in me during the trials/tribulations I face on planet earth.
Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: Philippians 1.6 (KJV)
for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. Philippians 2.13
See similar encouragement by Peter and James -
5 who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, 7 so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 1 Peter 1.5-7
2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. James 1.2-4 (KJV)
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V5 “and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”
“and hope does not disappoint” –
Word Study – disappoint from Greek kataischynō - to shame down, i.e. disgrace or (by implication) put to the blush: - confound, dishonour, (be a-, make a-) shame (-d). Strong's Greek & Hebrew Dictionary
I think Paul is saying that our confidence in God (hope) will not be in vain. While it may appear that God has let us down, we know he is faithful. He sees the beginning from the end – we do not! Again, faith is the evidence of things not seen!
24 For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it. Romans 8.24-25
just as it is written, "BEHOLD, I LAY IN ZION A STONE OF STUMBLING AND A ROCK OF OFFENSE, AND HE WHO BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED." Romans 9.33– also I Peter 2:6
For the Scripture says, "WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED." Romans 10.11
“because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” -
“poured out” – conveys the idea “to lavishly fill”
Note - it is God’s love that is poured out, not the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the agent of his love. It is this love that God reveals to us as a way of confirming our hope in Him! This is how we know that we are loved and secure in Him –
The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, Romans 8.16
13 In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God's own possession, to the praise of His glory. Ephesians 1.13-14
There is no shortage of verses in the bible that tell us God loves us. There are so many that we likely read them and never stop to think about what it means. Even at sporting events, we see signs that say “God loves you” or simply, “John 3:16”.
It may be easy for most people to acknowledge that God loves all people. But I believe, that for many/most people, it’s difficult to imagine that God really loves them individually.
Story - For many years after I was born again, I did not believe that God truly loved me. I knew it intellectually but was never really aware of it experientially. As a result, I was constantly trying to earn His love through my religious performance. Through a series of painful circumstances, I came to understand that God really did love ME. As a result, I was set free from the bondage of religious performance! R. Moffett
Most of us don’t fully understand God’s love – “agape” love. It is unselfish, unconditional, love. Agape love is always “others-oriented”. Any attempt by man to define “agape love” will likely fall very short of an accurate description.
Man’s love is usually conditional. If you are nice to me and treat me the way I want you to, then I’ll “love” you.
Conversely, God has no needs, thus His love for us is not dependent on anything we do or don’t do.
Sometimes we struggle to believe God loves us because things that happen in our lives aren’t always pleasant or what we would call good. As we go through hard times we may often hear Satan’s lie – “God doesn’t love you or he wouldn’t let that happen to you”. Don’t believe it!
God loves because that is his character. He doesn’t give love as a commodity (e.g. - love potion #9); but rather, love is who God is.
Comments -
God’s character is always expressed in His actions. There is no divine action that is not empowered by and expressive of His own divine Being. James Fowler
“God is love – not has love. Each of His attributes are (sic) not some “thing” that He shares with us. They are not separate gifts and graces with which He would endow us, but they are in reality, He Himself. His attributes cannot be yours.” In other words, “God is love” and “what God is, only God is.” Norman Grubb
Whenever a human individual expresses love (real love), it is God loving in that individual. That individual is deriving God’s character of Love in his/her behavior. Any pure agape* love that is expressed in and through us is the active expression of the Triune God who is Love. James Fowler
*Jesus is the perfect example of agape love. He willing sacrificed his life for all mankind. Rom. 5:8
So, God communicated his love to us through the Holy Spirit so that we could express him (God) to others as we love them (1 John 4:19-21).
Some of you might be struggling with believing God really loves you. And it might be that you aren’t even aware of your doubts. Just simply ask God to reveal to you just how much he loves you. It is important! I don’t believe it is possible to love anyone until you first know that God loves you.
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V6 “
For
while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.”
What does the word “helpless” suggest to you? Think of a time when you were helpless with no way out.
“helpless” – without strength; weak; impotent. Unable to help one’s self.
Truthfully, we have always been helpless; and to make matters worse, most of us don’t realize it.
No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day. John 6.44
“… at the right time” – This was not some random time, but a time pre-ordained by God.
I suggest this “right time” refers to the time when the Law had done its work in revealing the sinfulness of mankind and our inability to do anything about it. It was at this time that God sent his Son to save us.
3 So also we, while we were children, were held in bondage under the elemental things of the world. 4 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, Galatians 4.3-4
“Christ died…” – speaking of Christ’s death on the cross.
“…for the ungodly” – all men were born onto planet earth spiritually dead, i.e., separated from God’s life, thus were ungodly in our spiritual condition and in our behavior.
And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, Ephesians 2.1
W. E. Vine notes that...
“There is no article before the word ungodly in the Greek, and its absence indicates that those who are mentioned are not a distinct class from the godly, but that the term describes mankind in general; the meaning is that Christ died for all as being ungodly. The description, by the very vividness of its reality, serves to bring out more forcibly the character of God’s love.”
Paul used that same word (ungodly) in chapter four –
1 What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, has found? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? "ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS CREDITED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS." 4 Now to the one who works, his wage is not credited as a favor, but as what is due. 5 But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness, Romans 4.1-5
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V7 “ For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die.”
It would be rare that anyone would choose to die for another, especially an ungodly man.
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V8 “ But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
Paul is contrasting Christ and his willingness to die for others with all other men and their willingness to die for another.
“God demonstrates his own love” –
“demonstrates” - to show, prove, or exhibit. The word is in the present tense which means it is a continuous action.
It’s one thing to say “I love you”, but a far greater thing to demonstrate it through one’s actions. To give one’s life for another is perhaps the greatest act of love.
“his own love” –
Leon Morris offers a beautiful explanation of the significance of “His own love” writing that...
“Paul says that the cross shows us God’s own love. One might expect him to say that the cross shows us the love of Christ. It does that, of course, but “own” puts the emphasis on the love of the Father (cf. 1John 4:10). “Christ’s action is God’s action. Christ’s love is God’s love” (Nygren). It would be easy to see the cross as demonstrating the indifference of God, a God who let the innocent Jesus be taken by wicked men, tortured, and crucified while he did nothing. And that would indeed be the case were it not that “God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself” (2Co 5:19). Unless there is a sense in which the Father and Christ are one, it is not the love of God that the cross shows. But because Christ is one with God, Paul can speak of the cross as a demonstration of the love of God. There is no opposition between the Father and the Son in the means of our salvation.” Morris, L. The Epistle to the Romans. W. B. Eerdmans; Inter-Varsity Press
“yet sinners” – refers to all those who have not received Christ by faith. Thus, it refers to all men period! We were all born without Christ and our identity was that of a “sinner in Adam”.
“Christ died for us.” –
“died” - is in the aorist tense indicating a past action completed on the Cross and thus indicating a historical event that is fixed, objective and unchanging. preceptaustin.org
Christ was sinless, yet he chose to give his life for all mankind. This makes no sense to the natural man.
Using different words, Paul is repeating what he has already said in v6. In v6 Paul said Christ died for ungodly men. Here in v8, he says Christ died for sinners.
Sinners are ungodly men and ungodly men are sinners.
Return
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V9 “Much more then, having now been
justified
by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him.”
“Much more” - the first of Paul’s “much more” statements in this chapter. – V 9, 10, 15, 17, 20
This is a “since/then” type statement. Since one thing occurred, then this other thing will most certainly occur. Some say that this statement or argument by Paul is from the “greater” to the “lesser”. In other words, since the greater thing occurred, surely the lesser thing will also come to pass. Here it is meant to offer the believer assurance of their salvation.
“having now been justified” – aorist tense, which refers to a past completed action that occurred once and for all.
“justified” - declared or rendered innocent.
“his blood” – the shed blood of Jesus (his death). See notes on 3:25.
And according to the Law, one may almost say, all things are cleansed with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. Hebrews 9.22
“we shall be saved” –
Note – saved is in the future tense and the passive voice, indicating that the effect is exerted on believers from an outside source, i.e., God (so-called "divine passive"). preceptaustin.org
“saved” – sozo (Gr) - to save, i.e. deliver or protect (literal or figurative): - heal, preserve, save (self), do well, be (make) whole. Strong's Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary
Those who have been justified are those who have been born again and are now saints “in Christ”. It is these that are saved from wrath.
Word Study – “saved” from the Greek word sōzō - is the most common verb in the New Testament meaning "save." The term occurs around 110 times in a variety of contexts, although the most common of these refers to being saved, or delivered, from the penalty of sin and death.
General references to "saving one's life," in the sense of preserving it, are found in Matt. 16:25; Mark 3:4; 8:35; 9:24; Luke 17:33; 1Tim. 2:15; Jas. 5:15.
The saving work of Jesus Christ is explicitly alluded to in Matt. 1:21; 18:11; Luke 19:10—referring to Christ as the one who saves his people, or the lost, from their sin. Christ expresses his intention to save the world—sinners—in John 12:47; 1Tim. 1:15. In other contexts, there is the taunt, directed at Christ on the cross, to "save himself" (cf. Matt. 27:40; Mark 15:30 ff.; Luke 23:35 ff.). Appeals to Christ for literal physical rescue are found in Matt. 8:25; 14:30.
In relation to the great hope of the believer, a number of texts refer to "being saved" through the work of Christ, or being delivered from the penalty of sin and its terrible consequences (cf. John 3:17; 10:9; Acts 4:12; Rom. 5:9; 10:9; 1Cor. 1:18, 21; 2 Cor. 2:15; Eph. 2:5, 8; 2 Tim. 1:9; Titus 3:5; Heb. 7:25; 1 Pet. 3:21). In contrast, the impossibility of "being saved" by the law of Moses is indicated in Acts 15:1.
Other contexts indicate the hope and reality of "being saved" by God, in the sense of being delivered from destruction and being granted eternal life (cf. Matt. 24:22; Mark 10:26; 13:20; Luke 7:50; Acts 2:47; 16:30; Rom. 9:27; 11:14, 26; 1 Cor. 3:15; 7:16; 1 Tim. 2:4; 4:16; Jas. 1:21; 5:20; Jude 5). Promises of deliverance or salvation are also found in Matt. 10:22; 24:13; Mark 13:13, contingent on the believer enduring to the end. Expository Dictionary of Bible Words: Word Studies for Key English Bible Words Based on the Hebrew and Greek Texts
“wrath” – orge (Gr) - refers to an inner, deep resentment that seethes and smolders. Orge does not refer to an explosive outburst of temper but to an inner, deep resentment that seethes and smolders, often unnoticed by others. (preceptaustin.org)
Bob Deffinbaugh defines wrath as - Divine wrath is God’s righteous anger and punishment, provoked by sin.
Note - “of God” - not in the original Greek but added by the translators (preceptaustin.org). Confirmed by the Greek Interlinear Bible.
Perhaps a better translation – Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. (NKJV)
While the phrase “of God” does not appear in the original Greek language, it seems that the wrath of God is in view here. The wrath of God is a much-debated subject. It is beyond the scope of this writing to explore all aspects of God’s wrath. However, I can say that God’s wrath is real, as there is no shortage of scriptures stating this. And I will also say that God’s wrath is not anything like man’s wrath, therefore, most likely misunderstood by most. It is my understanding that God’s wrath is mostly, if not entirely, against sin and the resulting evil it produces. I also believe that Satan is the author of sin and evil. He works through mankind to manifest this sin and evil, therefore, God’s wrath will be and is being poured out on men who are still under the control of Satan, i.e., the “sons of disobedience”.
1 And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, 2 in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. 3 Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. Ephesians 2.1-3
Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Ephesians 5.6
“through him” – refers to Christ and is completed redemptive work.
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V10 “ For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.”
if”- since
Note – Often in the New Testament, the word “if” could be better translated as “since”.
Here Paul makes a similar type of statement as in v9 – since one thing has occurred, most certainly this other thing will occur.
Example - Since I saved you from drowning in shark-infested waters, I will surely give you a ride to the hospital.
“while we were enemies” –
“enemies” – hateful; hostile; an adversary; in opposition to; Vine's Expository Dictionary
All men are born enemies of God, having an attitude of hostility and resistance toward Him. It is important to note that it is not God that has hostility toward man. As we read in the previous verse, He loved us “while we were yet sinners”!
And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled Colossians 1.21 (KJV)
“reconciled” – concerning people, it means - "to change from enmity to friendship, to reconcile." Vine's Expository Dictionary
Enmity - the state or feeling of being actively opposed or hostile to someone or something.
Note – it wasn’t God that needed to change. We were his enemy and we needed to be changed.
“through the death of His Son,” –
We were reconciled to God by the death of his son on a cross. Jesus’ death paid the sin debt for all mankind. But that is only half of the good news.
“much more,” – more certainly.
“having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.” –
Since when we were enemies of God he gave his son to die so we could be changed from enemies to friends (reconciled), then surely, we will be saved by his (Christ’s) life.
A couple of things going on here –
1. Since/then statement – Since this one thing occurred, then surely this other thing will occur.
2. And Paul also uses an antithetical statement. An antithetical statement contrasts two opposite things. He does this a lot in his writing.
What are the two opposite things in this verse he is contrasting?
Death and life.
Since Jesus’ death accomplished reconciliation, his life provided salvation. Salvation here certainly refers to man’s spiritual rebirth. But I believe there is more.
If you ask someone to describe their salvation experience, someone who has received Christ, i.e., been spiritually reborn, often they will say something like this: When I was 10 years old I trusted Christ as my savior.”
When asked what that means they may say, “Jesus died for my sins and I’m now forgiven and when I die I’m going to heaven”.
For many, Jesus is simply a historical figure – someone who lived about 2000 years ago and whose death on the cross purchased them a ticket to heaven when they die.
Their salvation is about something that happened in the past and something that will happen in the future. Thus, they believe the abundant life that Jesus came to give us (John 10:10), begins when we die and go to heaven. But for now, they just try to hang on and struggle through life on earth.
As I said, there’s so much more.
The New Testament does speak of salvation in the past and in the future, but also in the present.
Let’s look at the following 3 verses:
Past:
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; Ephesians 2.8 (NASB)
Future:
Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. Romans 5.9 (NASB)
Present:
For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1.18 (NASB)
Man functions in three different realms – physical (body), spiritual (spirit), and psychological (soul – our mind, will, and emotions).
Salvation past tense - Our spirit was saved the moment we put our faith in Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.
Salvation present tense - Our soul is in the process of being saved. As we renew our minds with the truth, our thinking, and thus our actions, are being conformed to the image of Christ. We are learning to live like the person we truly are – saints in Christ!
Salvation future tense - And lastly, our bodies will be saved.
And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body. Romans 8.23
As we surrender our will and allow Christ to live His life through us, we experience His life in the present. We are complete “in Christ”, thus all our God-given needs are met in the person of Christ – right now. Amen.
More on this when we get into Romans 6.
“by His life” –
Literally in His life ("By" - Greek = en = 1722), which conveys the sense of union with Christ (in Christ). In His life alludes to the intimate, living union between a believer and his Lord. He is now our life (Gal 2:20 -note, Col. 3:4 -note), our strength (Phil. 4:13 -note), our sufficiency, our all in all. preceptaustin.org
If salvation was only about forgiveness, we would simply be a forgiven dead person. It was the life of Jesus that saved us. We were all born spiritually dead to God, separated from his life. A dead man needs only one thing – LIFE! We received the life of Christ. Our spirit is now alive to God. We have become one spirit with Christ.
But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. 1 Corinthians 6.17 (ESV)
Also, our soul can now experience His life every moment of every day as we choose to walk by the Holy Spirit that dwells in us.
“His life” –
Note - This phrase refers to His present resurrection life (not His life while He was on earth). It is the death of Christ which effects our salvation, but it is the life of Christ which sustains it. He now functions as our High Priest interceding (Hebrews 7:25) at the right hand of the throne of God... preceptaustin.org
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V11 “And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.”
“and not only this, but we also exult” – the same phrase Paul uses in v3 talking about our tribulations.
We rejoice (exult) in God through Christ Jesus, because it was through Christ that we have received reconciliation.
“...in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.” Romans 5:11
Return
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V12 “ 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—”
This power called “sin” entered the world through one man.
Who was that one man? Adam.
“sin entered the world” – Adam’s sin in the Garden of Eden.
What did sin bring? – Death.
Sin always results in death – Spiritual, soulical (pertaining to one’s soul), and physical.
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6.23
14 But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. 15 Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. James 1.14-15
As a result of Adam’s sin, death spread to all men (the entire human race), because all sinned. All sinned because the entire human race (except Jesus) was born “in Adam”, thus when Adam sinned, it was viewed as though we all sinned.
What was our condition in Adam?
1 And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, 2 in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. 3 Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. Ephesians 2.1-3
We were all born spiritually dead (in Adam) in our trespasses and sins.
Note - See notes on Romans 6:3-5 for more on what it means to be “in Adam” or “in Christ”.
It is important to understand the word “sin” in this verse. Click here for a detailed explanation.
So, a governing power or influence called sin entered into the world through the one man Adam. This is an important truth to understand and will be developed more as we look at Romans chapter 6.
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V13 “ For until the Law sin was in the world, But sin is not imputed when there is no law.”
Paul seems to digress a bit here. Some call v13 – 17 – parenthetical verses. A parenthetical is a statement or word that explains or qualifies something. That is what we do when we put parentheses around a word or phrase.
Seemingly out of nowhere, Paul begins to talk about the Law that God gave the Jews as part of the Old Covenant.
Paul says that before the Law was given, sin was still in the world. As we just read, sin came into the world through Adam (in the garden).
“but sin is not imputed”
“imputed” – simply means to put on one’s account.
“when there is no Law” – the Old Covenant Law had not been given yet.
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V14 “Nevertheless death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those who had not sinned in the likeness of the offense of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come.”
“Nevertheless death reigned from Adam until Moses,” –
Death here is personified.
Personify means “to attribute a human nature or character to (an inanimate object or an abstraction) as having personality or the qualities, thoughts, or movements of a living being”. freedictionary.com
“death reigned” –
What does it mean to reign? - To rule. Death was ruling!
“from Adam to Moses” –
“Adam” – when sin came into the world.
“Moses” – refers the time when the Law was given to Moses at Mt. Sinai.
So, what is Paul saying then? There was no Law from the time of Adam until Moses, yet death still reigned, so we know that sin was in the world (sin always results in death).
“even over those who had not sinned in the likeness of the offense of Adam,” –
“likeness” - denotes "that which is made like something, a resemblance," Vine's Expository Dictionary
Adam broke God’s command not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The rest of mankind had not broken a command like Adam since the Law had not yet been given.
“is a type of him who was to come.” –
Who was the “Him who was to come”? - Jesus (this becomes clearer as we read on).
What does it mean “a type”?
A type – a figure, an example, or a pattern of someone or something.
So, Adam was a pattern/example of Christ. More specifically, Adam’s action was a pattern of Christ’s action.
Perhaps it is hard to think of Adam as being a representative or type of Christ. The next five verses (v15 – v19) will explain what Paul means when he says Adam was a type of Him who was to come (Christ).
Note - The central thought of these verses is that, as Adam was the head of the human race, so Christ is the head of the church (a spiritual race).
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V15 “ 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.”
“But” – a term of contrast.
What is being contrasted here?
Paul is about to draw a contrast with what he said in v14 - that Adam was a type of Him who was to come. The one to come was Jesus; thus, Adam and Jesus are being contrasted.
“the free gift” – Paul uses this phrase again in v16.
“Free gift” (grace gift) – (charisma from charis = grace + the ending --ma which indicates the result of something, in this case the result of grace) is a gift of grace or an undeserved benefit. It refers something given by God completely apart from human merit.
In Romans, Paul uses charisma in reference to the gift of salvation (Romans 5:15, 16; Romans 6:23 -note), the blessings of God (Romans1:1 -note, Romans 11:29 -note), and divine enablement for ministry (Romans 12:6 -note). Every other use of the word by Paul, and the one by Peter (1Pe 4:10, 11, 12, 13 -note), relates it to the divine enablement for believers to minister in the power of the Holy Spirit. preceptaustin.org
The free gift is the person of Jesus. See the end of this verse.
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6.23
“is not like the transgression” – the transgression by Adam in the garden.
“if by the transgression of the one many died,” –
“If” (could be rendered "since" or "if as is the case") introduces a conditional statement that is assumed fulfilled (Adam did have one transgression = the first one in Genesis 3). preceptaustin.org
transgression - to fall aside. Implication- to fall aside from what is right.
“of the one” – refers to Adam.
“the many” - In context, the phrase “the many” identifies the totality of mankind.
“died” - Adam’s one sinful act in the garden resulted in death for all mankind. This death affected every aspect of man - spirit, soul, and body. As a result, all mankind is born spiritually dead to God (separated from God). Furthermore, our soul (mind, emotions, and will) is unable to function properly. We are told that we were “darkened in our understanding” filled with ignorance and hardness of heart. (Eph. 4:17-18) And our bodies develop disease and dysfunction as they slowly die with age.
17 So this I say, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles <here refers to unbelievers> also walk, in the futility of their mind, 18 being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart; Ephesians 4.17-18 Comment in chevrons < > is mine – RM.
“much more did the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abound to the many.”
“much more” - more certainly
“the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ,” – God, in his amazing grace, freely gave us his Son, Jesus Christ.
“abound to many” –
“abound” - to superabound (in quantity or quality), be in excess, be superfluous; Strong's Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary
“many” – as above, refers to all mankind. However, only those who receive Christ by faith, truly experience God’s grace.
*All mankind is born spiritually dead to God, i.e., separated from the life of God. Even so, all are born with a functioning spirit, but it is energized by Satan.
1 And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, 2 in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. Eph. 2.1-2
Comment - The free gift of Jesus is offered to all men. Furthermore, we have the choice to take this gift or reject it. However, it can only be received by faith.
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V16 “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 ”
“The gift” – identified in v15 as Jesus.
“is not like that which came through the one who sinned;”-
Paul stating the gift of Jesus is not like that which came through the one who sinned (Adam). What came through Adam? – Sin and death.
Note - In v15, the sin of Adam was called “the transgression”.
“for on the one hand” –
“For” - a term of explanation; gives a reason for something to make it understandable.
Paul is preparing to explain the difference between the gift and that which came through Adam (sin and death).
“on the one hand” - phrase of comparison.
“the judgment arose from one transgression resulting in condemnation,” –
“the judgment” – krisis (Gr) - decision (subject or object, for or against); by extension a tribunal; by implication justice (especially divine law): - accusation, condemnation, damnation, judgment. Strong's Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary
“arose from one transgression” – The one transgression refers to Adam’s sin in the Garden of Eden. (v12)
“resulting in condemnation,” –
“condemnation,” – katakrima (Gr) - an adverse sentence (the verdict). Strong's
Word Study – Condemnation - from Greek katakrima - means to judge someone as definitely guilty and thus subject to punishment, which accounts for the literal translation of "adverse judgment and resultant punishment". It is a legal technical term for the result of judging, including both the sentence and the execution of the sentence followed by a suggested punishment (The suffix -ma makes it the result of judgment). Katakrima is always an adverse verdict. Stated another way, katakrima (condemnation) relates to the sentencing for a crime, but its primary focus is not so much on the verdict as on the penalty that the verdict demands.
The divine guilty verdict is the polar opposite of justification. The verdict refers to God’s sentence. The word for condemnation involves the ideas of “punishment” and “doom.” So we ask: Condemned to what? The answer is, to divine punishment and doom. The seriousness of this condemnation cannot be overstated. preceptaustin.org
“but on the other hand,” – and now the other part of the comparison.
“the free gift arose from many transgressions resulting in justification.” –
“the free gift” - Jesus. See notes on v15.
“arose from many transgressions” –
Now the contrast turns to condemnation in Adam and justification in Christ. Not only is our guilt derived from one man’s sin, but it is derived from only one sin of that man. It is not the sins of Adam’s lifetime that have been imputed to us, but only his original sin. That one sin brought condemnation. However, the righteousness which is imputed to us by Christ, through the free gift of God’s grace, covers not just that one offense but many offenses. preceptaustin.org
Note – The free gift of Christ and his redemptive work did not just “cover” our sins. It took them away, once and for all! (John 1:29)
resulting in justification.” –
“justification” – dikaiōma (Gr) - acquittal from guilt; released from accusation or charge; pronounced innocent; righteous (in right relationship with God).
Here it is used in a legal sense.
In Adam, all men are condemned and their sentence is death. In Christ, the debt has been paid!
Ray Stedman writes...
Adam's single trespass brought in judgment, i.e., death. Adam trespassed once and brought death to all that were in him. Christ died once and, despite thousands of trespasses, brought justification to all that are in Him. That is the contrast. Adam trespassed once and brought death to all. Jesus died once and brought life -- despite thousands of trespasses.
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V17 “ 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.”
“if” – “If” is first-class conditional which means this declaration is assumed to be true, fulfilled or factual - "if as is the case by the transgression...". preceptaustin.org
“by the transgression of the one,” – Adam’s sin in the Garden.
“death reigned through the one”- sin always results in death.
“the one” – Adam.
“much more” - more certainly.
“those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness” –
the gift of grace and righteousness are free. We must simply receive this gift by faith in Christ’s finished work at the cross.
“righteousness” - the quality of being right or just. In this context, it means to be in a right relationship with God.
“grace” – see notes on v2
“will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.” –
Life is a person named Jesus. Jesus’ finished work at the cross defeated death. Those who receive him by faith will reign in life forever! Amen.
55 “O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY? O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?" 56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; 57 but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15.55-57
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V19 “ 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.”
“Disobedience” means - "the condition of being unpersuadable" (a negative, peithō, "to persuade"), denotes "obstinacy, obstinate rejection of the will of God;" hence, "disobedience;" Vine's Expository Dictionary
“Disobedience” means - Unbelief, disobedience, insubordination, defiance, disregard. Practical Word Studies in The New Testament
“the many” – refers to all those who were born “in Adam”. That is everyone except Jesus.
“… made sinners” – “made” literally means - "stand constituted as" The Bible Knowledge Commentary
Word Study – made from Greek kathistemi from kata = down + histemi = cause to stand) means literally to set down and so to set, place or put. It was used with the meaning to set one over a thing or in charge of it (e.g., Mt 24:45). The idea of set down in other contexts means to constitute or to make someone something and this is the intended meaning in Romans 5:19 where it is used twice. Strong’s Dictionary
Constitution definition -
a. the structure, composition, physical makeup, or nature of something <the constitution of society>
b. the act of establishing, making, or setting up Meriam Webster Dictionary
It means that as a result of Adam's disobedience, his descendants were made sinners by nature and constitution.
In the same way, Christ’s obedience causes those, who have received Him by faith, to be made righteous by nature and constitution.
Word Study – obedience from Greek - hupakoe from hupó = under + akoúo = hear) literally means "hearing under", that is, listening from a subordinate position in which compliance with what is said is expected and intended. Hupakoe speaks of the one hearing as being under the authority of someone else. Thus, hupakoe comes to mean compliance (disposition to yield to another) with the demands or requests of someone over us. Obedience is submission or hearkening to a command. Obedience is the carrying out the word and will of another person, especially the will of God. preceptaustin.org
Paul mentions Christ’s obedience in Philippians –
Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Philippians 2.8
“even so through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous.”
“even so” – means surely or certainly.
“through the obedience of the One” - contrasting Adam’s disobedience with Christ’s obedience.
“many will be made righteous.” -
“many” - refers to all those who receive Christ’s free gift by faith.
“made righteous.” - see notes on “made sinners” above.
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V20 “The Law came in So that the transgression would increase; But where sin increased, grace abounded all the more,”
“The Law came in” - Paul brings up the Law again.
“The Law came in” – it was given to Israel by God for a specific purpose.
Word Study -
Came in - pareiserchomai from pará = alongside + eisérchomai = to enter) means to come in to beside and in some context means to slip in or to sneak in (see use in Gal 2:4 below). To come in with something so as to be present beside it. preceptaustin.org
The Law came in “so that transgression would increase” –
“transgression” – see note below
Notice that Paul does not say transgressions (plural) but transgression (singular), which is a reference to the sin of Adam. How do we arrive at that conclusion? Notice that six times in Romans 5 Paul uses transgression and in each use it is in the singular and in each context, transgression refers to the sin of Adam. preceptaustin.org
“would increase” – pleonazo (Gr) from pleion – more; means to cause to increase and suggests an abundance. It means to become more and more so as to be present in abundance.
The Law came in so that it might reveal man’s sinfulness. It “increased” in that sin might be seen more clearly in man to show him how sinful he was and thus expose his need for a savior.
So just as sin entered the world through Adam in Romans 5:12, here in Romans 5:20 Paul says the Law of Moses "entered in beside" or alongside sin. Men were sinners long before the Law was given and God had begun implementation of His plan of salvation before the Law was given (e.g., see Ge 3:15 - multiple translations; Ephesians 1:4 - note). The purpose of the Law’s entrance into the world was not to redeem men for only Christ could accomplish this great objective. Don't misunderstand the purpose of the Law for it was not given in order to make men sinful. As Paul explained in Romans 5:12-19 man did not need to be made sinful for he is born sinful and that is why he commits sins. Instead, Paul explains that the Law was given so that sin might be made more evident. preceptaustin.org
In one respect the Law functions as a mirror or a magnifying glass to reveal what we could not otherwise see.
For example - I always shave my face while looking in a mirror. When I’m finished I think I’m clean-shaven until I put on my glasses and look in the mirror! It is then I can see that I’m not as clean-shaven as I thought.
19 Now we know that whatever the Law says, it speaks to those who are under the Law, so that every mouth may be closed and all the world may become accountable to God; 20 because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin. Romans 3.19-20
Why then the law? It was added because of transgressions, until the offspring should come to whom the promise had been made, and it was put in place through angels by an intermediary. Galatians 3.19 (ESV)
In Galatians 3 Paul explained that the promise of God is superior to the Law which raised the obvious question of...
Why the Law then? It was added because of transgressions, having been ordained through angels (see Acts 7:53, Hebrews 2:2) by the agency of a mediator, until the Seed (the Messiah) should come to Whom the promise had been made. (See note Galatians 3:19) (Comment: The Law was intended to reveal sin in its true character as transgression and prepare the way for the coming of Christ by demonstrating the dire need for His saving work. As Paul has taught in Romans 5, sin existed before the Law [see note Romans 5:14], but men did not recognize it as transgression until the Law came [remembering that transgression is the violation of a known law). preceptaustin.org
There is nothing wrong with the law, but this is the thing that we must always understand: Law has no ability, none whatsoever, to change the heart -- to change the desire. It cannot touch what goes on inside, and all the rules of life only increase the frustration and rebellion with which we face life. And, at best, the Law simply makes you content with outward conformity. (Read his full sermon To Reign in Life) Ray Stedman
The Law may give the appearance of godliness, but it cannot provide life.
20 If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— 21 “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” 22 (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? 23 These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh. Colossians 2.20-23 (ESV)
“but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more,”
Note - Again, “sin” is a noun here; thus, referring to sin as a power or a governing principle rather than a sinful action.
It is this power of sin that dwells in the body of all men, even after they have been spiritually reborn. And it is the force that tempts man to sin. And when we are exposed to the Law (any set of rules), the power of sin is aroused even more.
For while we were living in the flesh, our sinful passions, aroused by the law, were at work in our members to bear fruit for death. Romans 7.5 (ESV)
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; 1 Corinthians 15.56
20 If you have died with Christ to the elementary principles of the world, why, as if you were living in the world, do you submit yourself to decrees, such as, 21 “Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch!" 22 (which all refer to things destined to perish with use)—in accordance with the commandments and teachings of men? 23 These are matters which have, to be sure, the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and self-abasement and severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against fleshly indulgence. Colossians 2.20-23
“grace abounded all the more,” –
But as man’s sinfulness was exposed, God’s grace provided a solution that the Law could never provide. Sin abounded and God responded. He did not do so in anger toward man, but rather our loving Father poured out his grace upon us and provided a savior for all mankind.
Our response is to receive that free gift of Christ by faith; and in so doing, receive life, abundant life!
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V21 “ So that as sin reigned in death, even so grace would reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
“as sin reigned in death” – when sin rules, the end result is always death.
“even so” – means surely or certainly.
“grace would reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” –
When grace reigns it brings righteousness and eternal life through Jesus Christ (Jesus is eternal life).
Here we see two different “reigning powers” – sin and grace.
The word “reign” means to rule, as a king. When sin rules it produces death, but when grace rules it ultimately produces life through Jesus Christ who is life.
Both sin and grace are powers that desire to control us. Sin is a wicked tyrant, while grace is a loving Savior.
The unregenerate man has no choice but to live under the controlling power of sin. The new man in Christ, as we will see in Chapter 6, has been set free from the power of sin and is now free to live by the unlimited grace of God. We will discuss the power of sin more throughout Chapters 6 and 7 of Romans.
As Christians, we can allow sin to rule our lives or we can allow Jesus to rule our lives. It is a moment-by-moment choice. Non-Christians have no choice; their lives are constantly ruled by sin. Remember, sin here is a ruling power or influence that dwells in our bodies. Someday, we will receive a new body and we will be free from the presence of sin forever.
Don’t think of “eternal life” as merely a statement of time, but rather as a person. Jesus is life and He is eternal – he has always been and he will always be. As we will see in chapter 6, we are united with him and thus, we will always be connected to Jesus, who is our life!
1 What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life— 2 and the life was manifested, and we have seen and testify and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was manifested to us— 1 John 1.1-2
11 And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 12 He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life. 1 John 5.11-12
And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. 1 John 5.20
References
1. preceptaustin.org
2. Vine's Expository Dictionary
3. Strong’s Talking Greek Hebrew Dictionary
4. To Reign in Life; Stedman, Ray