Romans 5:18-19

The passage of the week is Romans 5:18-19 which states, "... through one man's offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man's righteous act the free came to all men resulting in justification of life. For as by one man's offense many were made sinners, so also by one man's obedience many will be made righteous."

This is a short little passage that explains the significance of Adam and the significance of the Lord Jesus Christ. Consider...

- Adam was the first sinner.
- He offended God by breaking His law.
- He was placed under the death penalty because he rebelled against God (Genesis 3:19).
- Adam's descendants (all of us!) have followed in his footsteps.
- We have all rebelled against God.
- We are all born with sinful hearts and have all chosen to disobey God many times.
- We are all under a death sentence (judgment and condemnation) because of our guilt!

The bottom line is Adam really messed things up (with a little help from Eve!) when he rebelled against God in the garden. The great news is that Jesus Christ really fixed things when he came to earth! Just consider...

- The Lord Jesus Christ perfectly obeyed God's law (Hebrews 4:15)
- The Lord Jesus Christ died on the cross for the sins of the world (in obedience to the Father's command... i.e. "The righteous act")
- Because Jesus died for mankind we can now have the free gift of eternal life.
- Because Jesus died for mankind we can now be justified (the opposite of condemned) and do not have to fear judgment (John 5:24).
- Because Jesus died for mankind many people will become righteous!

2 Corinthians 5:21 states, "God made Him who knew no sin to become sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him!" The bottom line is Jesus took my sins upon Him and graciously gave me His righteousness! We switched spots! When God looked at Jesus on the cross He saw sin (mine and yours), but when he looks at me he sees righteousness (the righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ!).

- It doesn't take a rocket scientists to figure out that the world is a messed up place. It also doesn't take a brilliant man to figure out that sin is the root cause of the world's problems. The good news is that Lord Jesus Christ came and fixed the problem! If you will place your faith in Him to save your sinful soul he will do it, and you will be out of trouble!

Now, just say "Thank you Jesus" and live for the One who died for you (2 Corinthians 5:14-15)!