The Difference Between Adam and Jesus

Now as we have sought to understand the concept of original sin the apostle Paul goes on to compare the results of original sin with original righteousness that came through Christ. It may seem confusing that I use the term original righteousness, but I do this in making the point that the only one righteous of himself is Christ Jesus, and so it must be the original. So now brothers and sisters we look to the scriptures.

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. 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. Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. 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. Romans 5:15-19

Paul immediately starts off in his comparison by informing us that the free gift is not like the trespass. It is important to keep this concept in mind as we look through this passage. For we know now that many died through and because of that one man’s sin, for the judgment following the sin brought condemnation, death, and the sin nature to all men. However in contrast to that the free gift through Christ brought justification and righteousness, but not for every single person instantaneously, but as a future event.

As we look at verse 19 things can get a little tricky, but I want to look closely even though it is hard because it is so important. 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. Romans 5:19 We are going to focus on “were made” and “will be made.” At the root the Greek word used here is the same root word, but the tense used is different for each. In the case of “were made” it is simply showing that it has happened. However where it is translated “will be made” it is the future tense of the word. It is very important as we look at this that we understand that this is a future tense usage of this word.

Why is this so important you might ask? The answer is simple enough. Because it is future tense, showing that it will happen, it indicates that the justification of each person did not just instantaneously happen at the cross, but rather that justification was made possible for each person at the cross. Some would use this passage to say that all men everywhere are saved, but the truth is that all men everywhere can be saved. The reason the word used is future tense is because we have to personally believe God as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob did. Righteousness can and will be imputed, but only when we believe. That is why the free gift is not like the trespass. Because by the trespass all men were condemned by our sin nature coming alive, but by the gift all men can be made justified by the righteousness of Christ Jesus.

Lord God,
May you awaken this truth in my heart, and may I see that all men can be saved and justified through the atoning work of the Lord Jesus Christ. Father may I truly be aware that though the transaction is completed on your side, that all men everywhere need to hear of this truth, and so choose to believe you. May the truth of this word bring a burning passion to my heart to go tell everyone I know about sin, righteousness, and the judgment to come. May the many truly be made right through the actions of Jesus Christ. Amen.