THE OFFENSE AND THE GIFT
Rom. 5:15-21
By David J. Riggs
Intro.
A. In Rom. 5:14 Paul says that Adam was a "type" of Him who was
to come.
1. He describes how Adam was a type or figure of Christ in the
verses which follow.
B. Paul said, "But the gift is not like the offense."
1. Our chart shows the contrast.
2. Like some passages in the N.T., this one is deep and rich
and takes some careful study for understanding.
The Offense And The Gift
(Rom. 5:15-21)
vs. 15 - Many died.................Grace abounded to many
vs. 16 - Resulted in condemnation..Resulted in justification
vs. 17 - Death reigned.............Life reigns
vs. 18 - Judgment..................Justification of life
vs. 19 - Made sinners..............Made righteous
vs. 20 - Sin abounded..............Grace more abounded
vs. 21 - Sin reigned in death......Grace reigns through righteousness
Verse 15
A. "Many died" - Sin and death entered the world through Adam.
B. "Much more" - The blessings we receive in Christ far outweigh
the things we lost in Adam.
C. "Abounded to many" - All men everywhere now have the
privilege of sharing in the grace of God. Many have been wise
enough to take advantage of it.
D. Some, by the expression "free gift," claim that the grace is
absolute free, and there is nothing man can do to obtain it.
However, they then turn around and begin to place conditions
upon it; e.g. faith and repentance.
1. Actually, the word "free" is not in the original, and is
supplied by the translators.. The expression "free gift" is
simply the word "charisma" - "gift."
2. There is a sense in which it is "free" and a sense in which
it is not "free."
a. God was under no obligation to give His grace. Man did
not deserve it. There was no special goodness in man to
cause God to give it.
(1) God offered it freely. Out of His own love, mercy,
kindness, and goodness He gave it.
b. It is not "free" in the sense that there are no
conditions on it.
(1) Jericho was "given by God to Israel. Joshua 6:2
However, in order to receive the gift they had to do
certain things. Joshua 6:3-5
(2) The grace received from God teaches us to do
certain things. Titus 2
(3) The responsibilities attached to the gift does not
make it less of a gift.
Verse 16
A. "The judgment...resulted in condemnation" - It brought death's
penalty, spiritual death.
B. "But the free gift...resulted in justification" - It brought
justification to sinners.
1. Condemnation (death's penalty, spiritual death) was brought
upon us by Adam, but justification (salvation, the gift) was
brought to us by Christ.
C. Man's response is not mentioned here. It is mentioned in other
passages. Condemnation comes to one when he violates the will
of God; he obtains the gift (justification) when he obeys God's
will.
Verse 17
A. "Death reigned through the one" - Adam committed the sin which
caused death to reign.
B. Through Christ we have hope, and through Him, eternal life
shall be realized.
C. "Much more" - Much more shall the redeemed reign in life, than
death has reigned here.
1. Notice that the verse refers to salvation both present and
future, and the "will reign" is affirming the certainty of
the future salvation.
Verse 18
A. Physical death and condemnation came as results of Adam's sin.
B. Through Christ's obedience grace came to all men, resulting in
justification.
1. Verse 18 simply repeats what he had already said.
Verse 19
A. "Were made sinners" - They were made liable to sin and
punishment.
B. "Made righteous" - They were made liable to justification.
Without Him there is no justification.
C. While all were made potential sinners in Adam, condemnation
comes only by one's own disobedience.
D. Some use these verses to teach the doctrines of "original sin,"
"total depravity" and "imputed sin."
1. However, if the verses are teaching that all men are made
sinners by Adam's sin, it must follow that all men are made
righteous by Christ's obedience.
2. Adam introduced disease into the world, but it does not
mean that all are born with disease. It only means that all
are subject to disease.
3. Charles Darwin made evolutionists, but this does not mean
that the theory of evolution is an inherited trait.
4. Likewise, Adam made sinners, but he made them by
introducing sin into the world. Each one becomes a sinner
when he transgresses God's law. 1 John 3:4
5. When a father commits murder, the son does not stand trial
for the crime; however, the son suffers the consequences of
his father's sin: shame, no provider, etc. Ezek. 18:20
Verse 20
A. "That the offense might abound" - The circle of sin widened.
1. Through the law, man's knowledge of sin increases (Rom.
3:20), and he begins to understand how terrible sin is (Rom.
7:7-13).
2. Law was given that men might see their transgression, show
them the seriousness of it, and cause them to turn to God
for mercy and pardon. The law of Christ accomplishes the
same today.
B. "Grace abounded much more" - The blessings far outweigh the
loses.
1. The word "abounded," used twice in the verse, is from two
different Greek words. The first means "to fill" and the
second means "to super abound or overflow."
2. Hence, sin abounded, but grace has been extended beyond
measure, far surpassing all the evil effects of sin.
Verse 21
A. "Sin reigned in death" - Personified, sin reigned unto death.
1. Sin brought about physical and spiritual death.
B. "Grace might reign" - Personified, "favor" or "grace" reigned
through justification to eternal life.
1. Grace brought about the present "life" in Christ and shall
bring "eternal life."
C. "Through Jesus Christ our Lord" - He is the personal source of
the favor who will fully carry out and execute all He has
promoted and devised.
Concl.
A. Adam's offense introduced many evils into the world. (See left
side of chart).
B. Christ's obedience introduced many blessings - present
justification to eternal life. (Right side of chart).
1. "Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!"
2. Our consciences have been purged from dead works to serve
the living God.
3. We are stewards of the manifold grace of God
4. Let us show our gratitude by rendering a faithful service.