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.
Paul writes that the gift of Christ and the grace of God were far superior to Adam’s transgression. Through Adam’s transgression, mankind became slaves to the power of sin. There was judgment and condemnation, and death reigned. But by the abundant grace of God and the magnanimous gift of Jesus Christ, the debt for all our transgressions was paid. Through Christ’s willing sacrifice on the cross out of love (Jn. 3:16), the Judgment/condemnation through Adam’s sin and for our own offenses was acquitted (paid for) and mankind was brought back to a right relationship with God.
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.
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.
Lord God of mercy, we pray that through your sanctifying grace restore us to a right relationship with you. If we lack faith increase our faith. If we lack love increase our love. If we lack hope increase our hope. If we lack understanding open our minds to your truths. If we lack 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.
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References
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.
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.
Orchard, Bernard, et al. A Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture. Feb. 1953.
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