More lessons from Romans More Sermons Our Home Page
Presented, May 5, 2002 pm
MAN’S SIN VS. GOD’S GRACE
Romans 5:12-21
Tonight, I want us to notice a text in the book of Romans that is difficult to understand. And I must admit, that I still do not fully understand everything about it. But I know that it is often abused in the religious world today. At times this text is used to teach that man inherits the sin of Adam. We need to be careful to not misunderstand Paul’s intended message. In this lesson we will notice why this doctrine is false and notice what the text really does say.
A. Defined – It is a doctrine that teaches that all descendants of Adam inherit his sin when they are born.
1. This doctrine is used to teach that man is evil by nature AND that infants are in sin (which is the reason for infant baptism)
2. It is the foundation of Calvinism, a system of doctrines which are all contradictory to scripture.
B. Scriptures that contradict this doctrine
1. Ezekiel 18:1-4, 19-20 – The soul that sins will die.
2. Matthew 18:1-3 – unless you are converted and become as little children. NOTE that in conversion (as taught here) the implied result is pure and qualified to enter the kingdom of heaven.
3. Our judgment will be based upon our conduct – Romans 2:6; 2 Corinthians 5:10.
4. The perfection of Jesus contradicts this doctrine. Was He born in sin? Most will say no. It is this consequence of this doctrine that prompted Catholicism to teach that Mary the mother of Jesus was also miraculously conceived.
5. Another thought to consider is, if we inherit the sins of our ancestors, why do we not also inherit their righteousness?
A. Romans 5:1-11 – Context leading up to this passage.
1. Thus far in the book of Romans, Paul has pointed out that all are sinners both Gentiles (ch. 1) and Jews (ch. 2) alike. Chapter 3 further establishes this fact clearly saying that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (3:23).
2. Chapter 4 established the fact that our justification is by faith (another doctrine that is misunderstood in the religious world). This faith is an obedient faith as you consider the examples of Abraham, David and later in 9:32. The point being that we cannot earn our salvation OR through works (alone) gain it.
3. 5:1-11 establishes our justification comes through Jesus Christ even in our ungodly state.
B. Adam Contrasted With Christ
1.
This brings us to the text we want to examine tonight
which points out how sin entered the world and WHY we need forgiveness. It also
explains how Jesus Christ IS the source of forgiveness.
To establish these points, Paul contrasts the sin of Adam with the sacrifice of
Christ. Let us notice in this text the different contrasts that are mentioned.
2.
Vs. 14 speaks of Adam as being a type of Him
who was to come, Christ.
Notice that a type is NOT the real thing, but something that represents that
which is real (i.e. – a model). Keep in mind Paul’s ultimate point is man’s
justification is found in Christ for all mankind.
3. Vs. 12-14 – DEATH spread to all men as the consequence of the sin of Adam.
a. Sin entered the world through Adam. He introduced sin to the world (actually it was Eve first, but Paul here is using Adam representatively since he was the FIRST man).
b. And because of his sin, death (physical) spread to all men. Notice here 1 Corinthians 15:21-22, which clearly points to physical death.
c. Death spread to all men, because all sinned. This does not mean that we inherit Adam’s sin (and it does not say that), nor does it necessarily mean that if one does not sin he will not die (consider infants that die having never sinned). The point is Adam, representing man’s sin, and the result of his sin was death for all mankind. Notice the curse to Adam in Genesis 3:19. This applied to Adam and all his descendants.
d. Christ, on the other hand, brings life. This is referred to in vs. 15 as Paul speaks of “the gift by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ.
4. Vs. 15 speaks of the offense in Adam that leads to death for many, while the grace in Christ leads to life for many
5. VS. 16 – Sin leads to condemnation, Grace leads to justification
6. VS. 17 – Death reigns through the offense, Life reigns through grace. Paul goes back to his point as he begins to summarize what he is saying.
7. Vs. 18 – ONE offensive act on Adam’s part led to condemnation, ONE righteous act results in justification.
8. Vs. 19 – One man’s disobedience, many sinners; One man’s obedience, many made righteous.
9. Truly we can see the contrast and understand Paul’s point – While man has to deal with sin and its consequences because of Adam, Jesus came to give the solution to the problem of sin.
C. The Point of the Text
1. It does NOT teach Original Sin. Instead it teaches we inherit the RESULTS of Adam sin, death.
a. Note vs. 12 – “Therefore through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin.”
b.
He then says, “Thus, death spread to all men, because
all sinned”. His point being that all men are descendents of Adam who received
the sentence of physical death and thus we inherit the consequence of his action
physically. Note that it says, “all sinned.” Are there any who have not
sinned? What about little children? What about Jesus, who was born of flesh?
The fact is, “It has been appointed for men to die once.” (Hebrews 9:27). And
it is because of Adam’s sin.
c. But as to sin, when we sin, THEN we are separated from God. We are each individually responsible for our own actions and that is what we will answer for when we stand before God in judgment.
d. It is interesting to notice the use of the word, “many” throughout this text (cf. 15) Quite often what applies to sin and death because of Adam is contrasted with justification and life in Christ. Why will we say that all inherit the sin of Adam, but all do not inherit the righteousness of Christ?
e. Vs. 19 summarizes the point Paul is trying to make, because Adam disobeyed many were “made sinners.” It is interesting to note that it does NOT say, many were sinners, but made sinners which brings us back to the consequence of the context. It is more a condemnation of physical flesh than the soul.
2. BUT, in Christ we find true life.
a. In everything just mentioned, Jesus Christ is the opposite, as we can see in the chart.
In studying this text, we must keep in mind Paul’s ultimate goal, Christ is the ONLY hope we have of salvation, and it matters not whether we be Jew or Gentile, Male or Female, or any other physical designation. What about you? Have you committed sin in your life and as a result died spiritually? If so, you need to make your life right, before the consequence of Adam’s sin upon all flesh befalls you, death. Don’t deny God’s grace through His Son Jesus Christ. Become a Christian today.