Devotion #3: All for One and One for All
“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 5:15–17
In Romans 5:15–17, Paul presents a powerful contrast between Adam and Jesus. He begins by stating, “The free gift is not like the trespass.” This distinction is crucial; Paul is differentiating the impact of Adam’s sin from the grace offered through Christ. While Adam’s transgression led to sin and death for all humanity, Jesus brings the gift of grace and eternal life.
As I meditate on this passage, I see how profoundly Paul wants us to understand that our struggles, rooted in Adam’s sin, are not the end of the story. The pain and trials we experience in this world are a result of that original sin, but through Christ, we find hope and redemption. Paul emphasizes that Jesus is fundamentally different. Where Adam’s actions brought condemnation, Christ’s sacrifice offers justification and reconciliation.
This contrast reveals just how significant Jesus’ work on the cross is compared to the burden of sin that Adam created. Paul reiterates that while Adam’s sin led to death, Christ’s grace abounds, offering life to all who receive it.
The biggest point that Paul makes in this passage is that all have sinned because of one man’s fall, yet we also are saved through one man. What seemed to be a system of loss and failure is redeemed through Jesus Christ. A story that begins with a great fall and seems to be hopeless is perfected and finished through the second Adam. There is nothing and no one that can offer us grace and righteousness besides this one man, Jesus Christ. Jesus cements this in John 14:6 when He declares that He is “the way, and the truth, and the life.” There is no way to salvation or reunion with the Father besides this one man who is both fully God and fully human. If you are new to Christ or a familiar face, this is a truth we have to know. Jesus is the only way, and it is only through Him that we can have hope and security in the Gospel: His death, burial, and resurrection.