Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. 19 For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous. 20 Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, 21 so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Romans 5 :18-21

A. The Human Race: Two Identities – In Adam, In Christ

1. In Adam

a) Sin enters the world by Adam: Rom. 5:12, 14; Gen. 2:15-17

b) Death results for Adam: Rom. 5:12b; Gen. 2:17, 1 Cor. 15:26

c) Death imputed to all humanity: Rom. 5:12c; 1 Cor. 15:21; Rev. 20:14

d) Sin imputed to all humanity: Rom. 5:12d, Ps. 51:5

2. In Christ

a) The grace of God: Rom. 5:15, Acts 11:19-24, 1 Cor. 15:10

b) The free grace gift of Jesus Christ: Rom. 5:15-17, Eph. 1:3

c) The free grace gift of Jesus Christ for our justification: Rom. 5:16

d) The free grace gift of Jesus Christ for our righteousness: Rom. 5:17

Today

B. In Adam: Sin Reigns – In Christ: Grace Reigns

1. God’s Holy Responses

a) To the disobedience of Adam

Rom. 5:18-21, Gen. 1:28, Gen. 3:15-16, James 2:8-12,

Ezekiel 28:15-19, Isaiah 14:12-15, Romans 1:18

b) To the obedience of Christ

Rom. 5:18-21, Gal. 4:4-5, 1 Peter 1:19, Phil. 2:8,

Matt. 3:17, Matt. 12:18, Matt. 17:5, Prov. 8:30

2. Sin’s reign verses Grace’s reign

a) The reigning power of sin in Adam’s humanity

Rom. 5:20-21

b) The conquering power of grace in Christ’s humanity

Rom. 5:21b