Comprehensive Doctrine of Justification (31)
[Romans 5:12-21]
As we have been meditating on the Word of God under the overarching theme of "Comprehensive Doctrine of Justification," contemplating eight sub-themes already, we have started to meditate on the ninth sub-theme, "The Confirmation of Justification," focusing on Romans 5:12-21. We have covered (1) the first aspect of "The Confirmation of Justification" in Romans 5:12 and (2) the second aspect in Romans 5:13-14. Today, we will delve into (3) the third aspect of "The Confirmation of Justification," focusing on Romans 5:15-17. The passage states: "But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man's trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many. And the free gift is not like the result of that one man's sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification. For if, because of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ."
Romans 5:15 says, "But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man's trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many." Here, the conjunction "But" serves to connect contrasting ideas between the preceding and subsequent content. For instance, looking at Romans 5:12-14, it discusses the consequences of the one man Adam's trespass, resulting in death for everyone. However, in Romans 5:15-17, it talks about the consequences of the obedience of the one man Jesus Christ, leading to life. More specifically, when we compare the contents of Romans 5:12-14 and 15-17, we find contrasts in (1) the comparison between the first Adam, representing humanity, and the last Adam (1 Cor. 15:47), Jesus Christ, (2) the contrast between Adam's sin and Jesus Christ's obedience, (3) the comparison between sin and justification, (4) the contrast between law and grace, (5) the juxtaposition of punishment and the gift (grace), and (6) the comparison between death and life. In verse 15, the Apostle Paul speaks of this free gift, referring to the gift from God (v. 15). He also mentions the trespass, signifying the sin of one man (v. 14). In other words, it refers to Adam's sin of violating God's commandment: "do not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil" (Gen. 2:17). This sin of one man led to sin entering the world and death through sin (Rom. 5:12). However, in verse 15, Paul says, "But the free gift is not like the trespass," drawing attention to the fact that the consequences of one man's trespass resulted in many people dying. Clearly, in verse 12, Paul stated that death came to all people. Why does he now say, "many people" died in verse 15? I believe the reason is that Paul is emphasizing the overwhelming reality that this free gift or the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ, has overflowed to many people. Originally, due to Adam's sin, all people were supposed to experience death (eternal destruction). However, because of the abundance of grace and the gift of life (eternal life) through Jesus Christ's grace, now it's no longer the case that all people experience death, but rather many people have died. Paul uses the term "much more" in verse 15, which means “even more” or “much more abundantly.” In other words, this free gift or the gift is extremely abundant. Here, the grace of God refers to redemption in Christ Jesus (Rom. 3:24). It signifies God's grace in Christ Jesus, who took all the punishment on the cross in our place, thereby atoning for our sins. Therefore, those who were sinners received "justification" (righteousness) through the grace of God and were made righteous through the Spirit within Jesus Christ (5:16). Like pouring an abundant amount of water into a container until it overflows, this free gift or this gift has overflowed to many people (v. 15).
Romans 5:16 says, "And the gift is not like the result of that one man's sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification." Here, “the gift” mentioned is the same as the free gift or grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ mentioned in verse 15. In other words, this gift is the grace that leads to justification (v. 16). This gift is not comparable to the result of the sin of one man Adam (v. 16). What resulted from the sin of Adam is judgment leading to condemnation (v. 16). However, the grace mentioned here (vv. 15, 16) is identified with being declared righteous through many trespasses (v. 16). Here, many trespasses encompass not only the original sin inherited from Adam but also the sins committed in the past, present sins, and even future sins. Despite being sinners due to many trespasses, God declares them righteous and treats them as righteous. God adopts them as children of God and allows them to address Him as "Abba Father" (8:15-16).
Romans 5:17 states, "For if, because of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ." Due to the "trespass" of "one man," Adam, "judgment" led to "condemnation," and "death" reigned through Adam (v. 17). Every person, except for Enoch and Elijah in the Old Testament, experienced (physical) death. We, too, will eventually face physical death. However, those who are recipients of the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness (v. 17), overflowing with the grace of God, and have received the gift of righteousness through Jesus Christ, will reign in life through Him (v. 17). Revelation 22:5 further emphasizes this concept: "And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever." Those who have received the gift of righteousness and experienced God's grace, which is abundant through Jesus Christ, will enter into eternal heaven and reign as kings forever.