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Commentaries
English
Romans
  
18Therefore, as through one man's offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man's righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life.19For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man's obedience many will be made righteous.20Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more,21so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.


Paul returns to his lawful comparison between Adam and Christ. In this passage, however, he does not compare the persons first, but their works and their effects. Through one offense condemnation reigned over all men, but through one righteous act justification and truth in eternal life were offered to all men. How great is heaven’s offer! Yes, by the disobedience of the first man, we were all made prisoners of sin; but by the first obedience, we were liberated and made righteous.
Finally, in his comparison between Adam with his sin, and Christ with his righteousness, Paul enters the problem of the law. The law was not regarded as helpful for the salvation of the world because it came into the history of salvation to show transgression evidently, and provoke man to complete his obedience. The law increased the hardheartedness of man and the multitudinousness of his sins. However, Christ brought us nearer to the source of all grace, and he offers us the fullness of power and continuous righteousness that rivers of grace may flow to all the deserts of the world. Paul rejoices and cries out cheerfully, “If sin, through death, reined over all men in the past, the evil domination is now over, for grace is crowned a queen over our age, being founded on the righteousness of God which is confirmed by the cross of Jesus”.
Every man has a reason for thankfulness, relief, and praise, for the death and resurrection of Christ opened a new historical period for us, in which the power of sin and death is overcome. We see the developments of grace through its fruits and eternal life, and the fullness of the power of God works through the gospel in all those who believe in Christ.

Prayer
We worship you Lord Jesus, for you are the Victor over sin, death, and Satan. You carried us to the age of grace, and made us partners in the pleasant things of your life. Strengthen our faith, and enlighten our understanding that we may not turn to the past powers which are overcome. Establish us in your grace, and bring forth in us all the fruits of your Spirit, as a proof that your grace reigns indeed, and that it is stronger than death. Thank you because you blessed us with your fullness, and you keep us with your mighty faithfulness.
Question
What does Paul want to show us through his comparison between Adam and Jesus?