Romans 5:12-21: God's Grace is Different

Romans 5:15.. "But the free gift is not like the trespass..."

What comes to your mind when you think of the above phrase? When you hear the words "God's grace is different," what comes to mind? In Romans 5:12-21, we see a beautiful picture of how God's grace is different than the sin of Adam. Let us take a deep look at that this morning.

Firstly, let us establish what is meant by the sin of Adam (we see this in verses 12-14). Theologians call Adams sin the "original sin," that is, the very first sin that there ever was. This sin, as we see from Romans 5:12, was past down to all men (side note: this is why Jesus was born of a virgin, so that he was not the offspring of man, because then he would have been an inheritor of sin). This sin ultimately brought along with it death to all men, which once again brings us to the fact that all men are sinners in need of a Savior to save them from their pending death.

But in contrast to the results Adam's first sin, God's grace is different. In Christ, we have what theologians call a "new" or "second" Adam. Whereas Adam was the first man to sin, Jesus was the first man to never sin. Christ is then the "second" Adam as he fulfilled law that Adam did not. Therefore, just as Adam brought upon mankind sin which then brought death, Christ brough upon mankind righteousness which then brought life. However, although there are many similarities between Adam and Christ, ultimately God's grace is different.

Firstly, the result of God's grace is different. Whereas through Adam condemnation was brought into the world, through the righteousness of Christ justification was brought into the world. Through Adam's actions on earth, all are sinners. Through Christ's actions on planet, all men are sinners, but now have a Savior. God's grace is different than the condemnation of the sin of Adam because it brings righteousness instead of unrighteousness. God's grace is different than Adam's trespass.

Secondly, the reward of God's grace is different. Whereas death was given to all those who are in Adam, life is given to all those who are in Christ. Therefore, God's grace is different because though through Adam the fear of death was present, through God's grace there is nothing to fear because he has taken away the fear of death and brought us life. God's grace is different than Adam's trespass.

So, are you in Christ? If so, then the grace that has been given to you is different than the sin that brings condemnation. And ultimately, it is not only different--it is better. Where sin brings death, God's grace brings life, eternal life, for all who will believe.