The Comprehensive Doctrine of Justification (34)
[Romans 5:12-21]
We have already contemplated eight sub-themes under the overarching theme of "The Comprehensive Doctrine of Justification," from Romans 1:18 to 5:11: (1) The Necessity of Justification (everyone needs justification), (2) The Originator of Justification (God the Father), (3) The Foundation of Justification (Jesus Christ and His blood), (4) The Method of Justification (through faith), (5) The Universality of Justification (all believers receive justification, (6) The Purpose of Justification (to manifest God's righteousness and justify those who believe in Jesus), (7) The Exemplification of Justification (testifying with examples of faith like Abraham and David), and (8) The Result of Justification [enjoying peace (5:1) and rejoicing in God (v. 11)]. Then, under the ninth sub-theme "The Confirmation of Justification" (clearly demonstrating evidence), we began to contemplate Romans 5:12-21. Last week, we meditated on Romans 5:13-14, reflecting on the statement, "Adam is a pattern of the one to come" (v. 14). In other words, Adam is a "pattern" of Jesus Christ, the One to come, and not the actual fulfillment. This implies that there are similarities and differences between the pattern, Adam, and the actual, Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul first discusses these differences in Romans 5:15-17 and then talks about the similarities in 18-21 (to be meditated on next week).
Today, let's focus on Romans 5:15-17 and meditate on three differences between Adam, the pattern of the One to come, and Jesus Christ, the One to come, while seeking to receive the grace offered.
Romans 5:15 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." Here, the "free gift" refers to the grace that comes through Jesus Christ. This gift is "not like the trespass," which is the sin committed by one man—Adam, the pattern of the One to come. Through Adam's sin, many died. However, the grace of God and the gift by the grace of Jesus Christ, the One to come, abounded for many. The term "many" here, in the original Greek, can also be translated as "all." Therefore, the grace of Jesus Christ's gift has abounded for all who believe in Him, not leaving anyone out.
Romans 5:16 states: "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." The “free gift” mentioned in verse 16, which is the "grace through Jesus Christ's gift" from verse 15, is not like the result of the sin of "that one man," Adam. The outcome of "that one man's sin," referring to Adam's disobedience and eating the forbidden fruit, led to "judgment" and brought "condemnation" (in other words, declaring, 'You are a sinner'). However, the "free gift" that comes through the grace of Jesus Christ, despite our many trespasses, results in "justification" (declaring, 'You are righteous'). When Adam ate the forbidden fruit, we also sinned along with him. Apart from that initial sin, we have committed numerous other sins, even after believing in Jesus Christ. Moreover, we will continue to sin until the day we die. Despite our many sins, God, through the grace of Jesus Christ, declares us righteous in Christ Jesus.
Romans 5:17 says: "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." Because of the sin of "one man," Adam, death exercised its reign through him. This is why even newborns, who are born sinners (Ps. 51:5), face the prospect of death from the moment they enter the world. We were under the dominion of death, living in fear and ultimately succumbing to death. However, through the overflowing "abundance of God's grace and the free gift of righteousness through one man, Jesus Christ" (Rom. 5:15), we have received justification and now "reign in life" through Jesus Christ. This implies not only a future reign in the eternal kingdom of heaven but also a present reign on earth in Christ Jesus. By reigning in life through Jesus Christ, we experience the blessings of eternal life while still on this earth, overcoming the power, fear, and consequences of sin and death. We can live a victorious life, triumphing over the accumulation of sins in this fallen world. In essence, through Jesus Christ, we have received righteousness from God, allowing us to reign in life both partially on earth and eternally in the heavenly kingdom. Revelation 22:5 confirms this eternal reign: "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."
Therefore, it is crucial for each of us to receive justification. May we all receive the righteousness of God, enjoying the blessings and benefits of righteousness on this earth and, when the Lord calls us, entering the eternal kingdom of heaven to reign with Him forever in life.