Notes of Faith March 23, 2026
Pastor’s Pen Pulpit
October 28, 2001
Series: Romans Chapter 5
“ADAM AND CHRIST IN CONTRAST”
Romans 5:15-17
I must confess that the following verses are extremely complicated. We’ll work through each thought very carefully.
We have seen that in verse 14 Adam is a type of Christ in contrast. Now that contrast is explained.
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 (verse 15).
Paul says that free gift is not like the transgression. Through the transgression of the one man, Adam, the many (all) died. Much more did the grace of God and the gift of grace through the one Man, Jesus Christ, abound to the many. That is, in its restorative effect grace surpassed the transgression. This is saying that we got much more in Christ than we lost in Adam.
This thought continues in verses 16 and 17:
And 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 transgression resulting in justification.
For if 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.
1. Through the transgression of the one (Adam) the many died. This means that the effects of Adam’s sin extended to the whole of the human race.
2. In a much greater degree, the restorative grace of God extended to the many who believe. This takes us beyond where Adam was in his innocence and exalts us to the heavenlies in Christ.
External judgment came to all men through the one who sinned (Adam). On the other hand, the free gift arose from many transgressions resulting in justification. That is to say the many transgressions (the sins of the entire human race) caused by the one transgression of Adam were put upon Jesus Christ on the cross. This resulted in justification for all believers through the one act of the Last Adam (Jesus).
My suggestion is that you read carefully through this complex passage to grasp the wonderful truth that the Holy Spirit is conveying to us. God bless.
Love to you all,
Pastor Charles Covington
One of the greatest struggles of mankind is to understand that every person has a condition of judgment placed on them because of sin. It is a condition that they cannot fix or change on their own. All too often, man strives to act as God in his world and believes that anything is possible in his own power and strength.
Sin brought about decay and death! If we had not lost relationship with God… if Adam had not sinned, he would still be living with us today. Only the work of Jesus, paying for our sin, and redeeming our lives for God gives us opportunity for abundant life now and eternal life with Jesus! I pray that you have come to recognize what a permanent separation from God means…an eternal life of judgment in hell…but the love of God for us is poured out through the perfect and sinless life of Jesus, sacrificed to the Father for our sin. Only faith in Jesus and belief in His death and resurrection will give you true life!
Come to Jesus, confessing your sin, asking for forgiveness, and turning away from the sin that separates you from God. Grow in His grace and mercy daily and share with others what He has done for you in taking you from death to life!
Pastor Dale