5:16
Paul now highlights a further difference. Judgement came after one sin, as recorded in Genesis 3. It brought condemnation on mankind. Mankind was condemned to be under the power sin, death and the devil. The gift, ie God’s gracious act in sending His Son to die for us, followed many trespasses. Many sins had been committed. The use of the word trespasses also points to the Law, for it means a transgression of a Law. Numerous sins had been committed, yet the act of grace outweighed them all. And God’s gift brings justification, not condemnation. The gospel is a gospel of freedom. If we turn it into a gospel of condemnation we know we are going in the wrong direction. However, this most definitely does not mean it is a gospel of condoning sin. Paul will deal with this point in some detail in the next chapter.
5:17
The trespass brought death to all. Since Adam death has reigned in the world. The gift of grace is radically different, it brings life. It is a gospel of life. God provides a gift of grace and this brings righteousness and life. We are to reign in life. This is not just future but has a present application as well. Reigning in life starts now. The work of transformation of our lives has begun and is continuing. It will be brought to completion on the day of Christ’s return, but it starts now and we start to experience the beginnings of this now.
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