5:14
Death reigned from Adam to Moses, i.e. death reigned from the first sin, and death’s reigning was in no way dependent upon the Law. Moreover, all men die. Adam transgressed a particular commandment, most men (i.e. non-Jews) did not have the law, yet sin and death still reigned in their lives. To bring it more up to date, someone may say “I don’t believe in God, so what has it got to do with me?” Sin and death are fundamental facts of life, in every society. Turn on the news and you will find that most items are about sin and/or death.
5:15
So the principle of the life of one man having a profound effect for many has been established, and was already understood in the Old Testament and Jewish teaching, but there are also key differences. Many died, indeed all humanity, through one man breaking God’s command (one man’s trespass). Death came in because of man’s action. Grace came in because of the action of God. The effect of sin, namely death, need not be permanent. The grace of God has overcome the effects of sin for those who believe in Christ. Death was earned, eternal life is a free gift.
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