The Reign of Death and Life Through One Man
Romans 5:12-17
There is a great difference between light and darkness. There is a great difference between life and death. Paul presents a comparison and contrast between Adam and Christ. Adam would be the contributor of death through disobedience and Christ the Creator of life through design.
The Reality of Death (Romans 5:12-14)
a. Death came as the result of sin, through Adam’s disobedience. (v. 12) Death is not natural to humanity, but is the direct result of sin. We see this in Gen. 2:17. “but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”
b. Death effects all people resulting in destruction. (v.14) All of mankind (except for Jesus Christ) are trapped in sin. Ephesians 2:1-2 states: “And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience.”
c. Death causes us to look towards God’s design. (v.14b) “…who was a type of the one who was to come.” Adam the first man paved the way of desperation. Christ the first new man paved the way of divine salvation. I preach life at funerals. I preach the gospel, because that gives life! 1 John 5:12-13 “Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.”
The Remedy to Death (Romans 5:15-16)
a. The only correction for eternal death is a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. (v.15)
b. Faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ is the eternal cure. (v.16) John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
The Reign of Life Through Jesus Christ (Romans 5:17)
a. Christ reigns over death and gives life. 1 Cor. 15:55-58 states: “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”
b. Christ reveals life by grace.
c. Christ grants righteousness, making eternal life possible.