But the gift is not like the transgression. For if by that one person’s transgression the many died, how much more did the grace of God and the gracious gift of the one person Jesus Christ overflow for the many. 16 And the gift is not like the result of the one person’s sinning. For after one sin there was the judgment that brought condemnation; but the gift, after many transgressions, brought acquittal. 17 For if, by the transgression of one person, death came to reign through that one, how much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of justification come to reign in life through the one person Jesus Christ. 18 In conclusion, just as through one transgression condemnation came upon all, so through one righteous act acquittal and life came to all. 19 For just as through the disobedience of one person the many were made sinners, so through the obedience of one the many will be made righteous. 20 The law entered in so that transgression might increase but, where sin increased, grace overflowed all the more, 21 so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through justification for eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
We are all born estranged from God because of Adam’s disobedience (v. 19) and transgression (v. 18). Through Adam’s transgression mankind became slaves to the power of sin and death, but by the abundant grace of God and the magnanimous gift of Jesus Christ, the debt for all our transgressions was paid. Not only was the Judgment/condemnation through Adam’s sin justified, but the judgment/condemnation for our own offences were also justified (acquitted or paid for) through Christ’s willing sacrifice out of love on the cross (Jn. 3:16). As a result of Adam’s offence all men were condemned and suffer death. By contrast, through an abundance of God’s grace, human beings were cleared of guilt and the gift of eternal life was earned by Christ for all who believe in him (v. 17).
Mankind, who was created in God’s image and likeness, did not fully have the opportunity to attain a filial relationship with God until Jesus’ death and resurrection. Mankind was not restored to the same state as Adam who himself died. Mankind was elevated to share in Jesus’ glorification after His resurrection which allows believers to share in His eternal life. Christ identified himself with humanity, and through his perfect obedience to the Father, took upon himself the burden of our sins. He was able to atone for our sins thereby allowing us to receive the gift of righteousness which he alone deserved.
Through the Law, mankind was given knowledge of sin, thereby compounding transgressions until Christ came and the grace of God overflowed through him (Gal. 3:19). Death could no longer reign because mankind was justified and through grace could share in eternal life in the Risen Christ.
Lord God of mercy, out
of love you sent your son to elevate your creation to the status you intended
from the time of creation. If we are
lacking in faith increase our faith. If
we are lacking in love increase our love.
If we are lacking in hope increase out hope. If we are lacking in understanding open our
minds to your truths. If we are lacking
in wisdom lead us along the path to wisdom.
In all our errors let your correction be gentle and our hearts
receptive. These things we ask through
Christ our Lord. Amen.
Chiu, José Enrique Aguilar, et al. The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.
Brown, Raymond Edward, et al. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Upper Saddle River, NJ, United States, Prentice Hall, 1990.
Comments