Peace and Joy. Death Through Adam, Life Through Christ. Romans 5:1-21

Transcription

1 1 Peace and Joy Death Through Adam, Life Through Christ Romans 5:1-21

2 2 Peace and Joy Death Through Adam, Life Through Christ Text: Romans 5:1-21, 1. Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2. By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4. And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5. And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. 6. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 10. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. 11. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. 12. Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: 13. (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.

3 3 14. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. 15. But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. 16. And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. 17. For if by one man s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) 18. Therefore, as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. 19. For as by one man s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. 20. Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: 21. That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord. Introduction: I. Christians are saved as was Abraham; that is, by an obedient faith. II. How can God be righteous while allowing tribulations and death to afflict all humanity? A. This is the prime question addressed in chapter 5. B. The answer is that humanity can achieve eternal life through saving faith in Jesus Christ!

4 4 III. Those who have been justified by God have peace with God. (Cranfield via Cottrell). Commentary: Romans 5:1, Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: I. Those who have been justified by faith,... A. Romans 1:5, Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: B. Romans 16:26, But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: C. Galatians 3:26, 27, For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. D. Romans 6:17, 18, But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. II. have peace with God. A. Augustine, Thou, O God, hast touched me and translated me into thy peace! B. The war is over! Sinful rebellion against God s will is no more. Peace has come on earth to men of good will. Luke 2:10.

5 5 C. Luke 1:79, To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. D. Luke 15:13, And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. E. John 14:27, Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. F. Philippians 4:7, And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. G. Augustine, Our hearts, O God, were made for thee; and never shall they rest until they rest in thee. H. John 16:23, And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. I. Psalm 5:5-12, The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity. Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing: the Lord will abhor the bloody and deceitful man. But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple. Lead me, O Lord, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies: make thy way straight before my face. For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulcher; they flatter with their tongue. Destroy thou them, O God; let them fall by their own counsels; cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions; for they have rebelled against thee. But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice; let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest

6 6 them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee. For thou, Lord, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield. III. through our Lord Jesus Christ. A. John 16:23, And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. B. Only through Christ can we have peace with God. IV. Christians are justified people, forgiven people. Romans 5:2, By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. I. Through Christ only we have access (entry) into this grace (unmerited divine favor) wherein we stand (firmly, securely)... II. by faith. III. We rejoice in the hope of the glory of God (eternal life, heaven). A. Revelation 21:3, 4, 23, And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.

7 7 B. Revelation 22:4, 5, And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever. Romans 5:3, 4, And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: I. In addition to this, A. glorying is not limited to eternity. B. glorying is now to be enjoyed by Christians. II. we (Christians) rejoice in our tribulations: A. Matthew 5:11, Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. B. 2 Corinthians 11:30, If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities. C. 2 Corinthians 12:10, Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. D. While on earth no one escapes sickness, death, the ravages of sin, even persecution because of our faith. III. knowing that tribulation, suffering works, produces steadfastness, perseverance, patience and...

8 8 A. Acts 5:41, And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. B. 1 Peter 4:12, 13, Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. IV. steadfastness, perseverance, works, produces approvedness, character and... V. approvedness, character works, produces hope. VI. Therefore, we rejoice in tribulation. A. Matthew 5:4, Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. B. Matthew 5:11, 12, Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. C. Acts 5:41, And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. D. 2 Corinthians 4:17, For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory:

9 9 E. 2 Corinthians 12:9, 10, And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. F. 2 Thessalonians 1:4, 5, So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer: G. James 1:2-4, My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. H. 1 Peter 4:12-14, Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. Romans 5:5, And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. I. Hope does not make us ashamed, disappoint us because... II. The love of God, God s love toward us has been poured out into our hearts...

10 10 A. 1 John 4:8-10, He that loveth not, knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. B. by the Holy Spirit, itself a gift of God s love. 1. Titus 3:4-7, But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared. Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 2. Ephesians 3:16, That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his spirit in the inner man; C. whom (a person of the godhead) he (God the Father) has given us. 1. Romans 8:16, The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: Romans 5:6-8, For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. I. While we were still powerless, weak, sinners...

11 11 A. weak in regard to strength to resist evil. B. weak spiritually. C. we were wretched sinners. II. in due season, at just the right time Christ died for, on behalf of, in place of the ungodly. God so loved the world! A. What does it take for a person to be ungodly? B. In due season indicates Christ s death was planned even from eternity. 1. Galatians 4:4, But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law. C. Now we are saved by grace! III. Maybe, rarely will a person die for a righteousness man. A. What does it take for a person to be righteous? B. Friends do die for family and close friends. IV. Maybe someone would die for a good man. A. What does it take to be a good man?... genuinely devout, holy? B. Has the good man achieved a higher level than a righteous man?

12 12 V. Wonder of wonder! God demonstrates, commendeth his love toward us in that while we were still weak, ungodly sinners, Christ died for us! A. For the lawless, murderers, atheists, selfish, thieves Christ died. B. Who had ever before heard of such? C. Christ died to save people from their sins, not in their sins. (Coffman) D. Humans cannot meritoriously save ourselves. The death of God s only begotten Son was required to make possible human salvation. Romans 5:9, Much more than, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. I. Since Christians have been justified by the blood of Christ,... A. Those who were enemies of God have been reconciled to God, justified and saved. (Cottrell) II. We will most definitely be saved from the wrath of God through him (Christ Jesus)! A. Preachers talk much about the love of God. Do they neglect to talk about the wrath of God? B. Scriptures: 1. 1 Corinthians 3:15, If any man s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

13 Corinthians 5:5, To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus Thessalonians 1:10, And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come Thessalonians 1:7-9, And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; IV. Paul continues here to show how God is just and righteous in all his ways. A. In view of the love of God and Christ shown on the cross for sinners, we can rest assured he will not forsake us now. Romans 5:10, For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. I. How wonderful it was that, while we were enemies of God, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son. A. Colossians 1:21, And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled B. Psalm 5:5, The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity.

14 14 C. Proverbs 11:20, They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the Lord; but such as are upright in their way are his delight. D. Deuteronomy 25:16, For all that do such things, and all that do unrighteously, are an abomination unto the Lord thy God. E. Psalm 11:5, The Lord trieth the righteous; but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth. F. Proverbs 6:16-19, These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren. G. Jeremiah 12:8, Then the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, H. Malachi 1:3, And I hated Essau, and laid his mountains and his heritage waste for the dragons of the wilderness. I. Psalm 34:16, The face of the Lord is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. II. A greater wonder yet: Having been reconciled to God by Christ s death, we will be saved by his life. A. If God has done so much for his enemies, what will he do for his friends? B. God s love, Christ s cross, our faith!

15 15 III. Christ does wonderful things for the redeemed. A. Acts 2:47, Praising God, and having favor with all the people, And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. B. 1 Corinthians 10:13, There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. C. Hebrews 4:15, 16, For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. D. Hebrews 7:25, Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. E. Hebrews 9:24, For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: F. Hebrews 10:13, From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. G. 1 Corinthians 15:25, 26, For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. Romans 5:11, And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

16 16 I. More than that,... A. we rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ. B. through whom (Jesus Christ) we have now received the reconciliation, atonement. 1. Christians now glory, rejoice in our being reconciled with God. 2. We, therefore, love and thank God and serve him devotedly. 3. We do not participate in the hatred and rebellion against God as did the Jews and Gentiles of past ages. Romans 5:12, Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: I. Through one man (Adam) sin entered into the world, II. Death entered the world through sin. III. Death passed unto all men because all have sinned. A. Because of one man s sin death passed upon all men because all have sinned. 1. Why do babies die who have not sinned? 2. 1 Corinthians 13:9, For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.

17 17 Romans 5:13, (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. I. Until the law of Moses sin was in the world. A. Genesis 6:5, 11, And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. B. Genesis 8:21, And the Lord smelled a sweet savour; and the Lord said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man s sake; for the imagination of man s heart is evil from his youth: neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done. C. Genesis 18:20, And the Lord said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous; D. Exodus 9:27, And Pharaoh sent, and called for Moses and Aaron, and said unto them, I have sinned this time: the Lord is righteous, and I and my people are wicked. II. God s moral law existed before the Law of Moses and direct communications between God and man are recorded. II. Sin is not taken into account, imputed when there is no law. A. How can it be said that sin was in the world during the pre- Mosaic period when sin was not then imputed? B. If sin was not imputed, why did all die during the pre-mosaic period when death was said to be the result of sin? C. Innocent children of all ages have died as well. Why?

18 18 1. Matthew 18:1-10, At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe unto the world because of offences! For it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh! Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire. Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven. 2. If death passed upon all because of sin, how did Enoch and Elijah escape death? Romans 5:14, Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. I. Death reigned from Adam to Moses even over those who had not sinned like Adam.

19 19 A. How was God just in allowing this? B. His justice is seen in providing eternal life to righteous souls. II. Adam is a figure of Christ. A. 1 Corinthians 15:45-49, And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. 1. Adam was the ancestor of the human race. 2. Christ is the ancestor of the saved. Romans 5:15, But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. I. Human transgression and God s free gift of salvation are here being contrasted. A. Adam s sin produced negative results. B. Christ s death on the cross produced positive results. II. By Adam s transgression many died. A. How sad this is!

20 20 B. This was a just recompense of sin. III. By the gift of God s Son Jesus grace abounded unto many. A. How glorious this is! B. This was free grace, God s free gift. C. The saved state made possible through Christ is far better, greater than what was lost in Adam. (Cottrell) Romans 5:16, And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. I. Adam (one) sinned and death passed upon the entire human race. II. Many sinned, transgressed which led to salvation through the one Christ. Romans 5:17, For if by one man s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) I. If by the one Adam s sin death reigned, even more... II. shall those who abundantly receive grace and an act of righteousness, the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one Jesus Christ. III. Eternal life is much more than physical death. IV. James Burton Coffman (Commentary on Romans, p. 193) points to striking contrasts in this chapter:

21 21 A. Adam and Christ. B. Reign of sin, death and reign of grace, righteousness. C. Christ died for us while we were sinners, much more we are saved by his life. D. Our sinful prior condition is contrasted with our salvation by Christ in our state of reconciliation. E. Worldwide condemnation resulting from one man s sin is contrasted with the grace of God which reaches out to potentially cover the sins of all who believe. F. The reign of death through Adam is contrasted with the reign of righteousness through Christ. G. The abounding of sin before the law of Moses was given in contrast with the abounding of grace after the death of Christ. Romans 5:18, Therefore, as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. I. Through one trespass of Adam judgment, condemnation came unto all. II. Through one act of righteousness (Christ s crucifixion) the free gift to justification came unto all. A. The coming of Christ into the world and his death on the cross was God s free gift of righteousness to all men. B. Through this free gift the faithful have access to righteousness.

22 22 C. 2 Corinthians 5:17, Therefore if any be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. D. Titus 2:11, 12, For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Romans 5:19, For as by one man s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. I. As through one (Adam) man s disobedience the many were made sinners... A. The disobedience of Adam is contrasted with the obedience of Christ. B. The results of Adam s disobedience are contrasted with the results of Christ s obedience. II. so through the obedience of one (Christ) shall many be made righteous. A. No one can be made righteous by his own deeds. B. We are made righteous by becoming one with Christ, by being in Christ. C. R. L. Whiteside via Coffman wrote, Neither guilt nor personal righteousness can be transferred from one person to another; but the consequences of either to some extent, may fall upon others.

23 23 D. Galatians 2:20, I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. E. Coffman wrote (Commentary on Romans, p. 196,), It is not by transferring the righteousness of Christ into sinners that God justifies and saves the lost, but by transferring the sinners into Christ. F. Infants who have no sin are not the subject of Paul s discourse here. 1. Infants die because Adam sinned. Infants live because Jesus died. (Epitaph, St. Andrew s churchyard and in Scotland via Coffman). 2. Innocents have no worries regarding eternity. Romans 5:20, Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: I. Then the law of Moses came in, was added that the trespass might abound, increase. A. Irenaeus said, The law was a poultice to bring sin to a head. B. Galatians 3:19, Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, til the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. C. Law was given to restrain people from wrong and guide them in the right way. (Greathouse via Coffman, Commentary on Romans, p. 198).

24 24 D. Sin made clear the violations of the law. E. The law of Moses increased the awareness of sin Corinthians 10:6-11, Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. II. Where sin abounded, increased grace abounds, increases more exceedingly, all the more. A. Sin is the real culprit! 1. Ephesians 2:1, 2, 5, And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Where in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 2. Colossians 2:13, And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

25 25 Romans 5:21, That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord. I. As sin reigned in death, A. Sin produces death, physical and spiritual. II. grace reigns through righteousness unto eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord! A. We who lived under sin and death can elect to live under grace through righteousness unto eternal life!... through Jesus Christ our Lord! B. Wonder of wonders!

26 26 Questions Romans 5: We have been through. We have with through our. 2. We rejoice in our because produces ;, ; and, hope. 3. died for the. Very rarely will anyone die for a man, though for a man someone might possibly dare to die. While we were still died for us. 4. What is the difference between a good man and a righteous man? 5. We have now been by the of. We shall be saved from s through Christ. 6. When we were God s we were to him through the of his. We are through our. 7. Describe and give examples of the wrath of God.

27 all sinned Romans 5:12. Does this mean little children have sinned? Explain. 9. How could sin be in the world but not taken into account? (See verse 13). 10. How are Adam and Christ alike? How are they different? 11. How did the law of Moses cause sin to increase? 12. reigned in. reigns through to bring through our.

28 How can God be righteous while allowing tribulations and death to afflict all humanity? 14. Quote two statements made by Augustine relating to peace and rest. 15. How do you cope with tribulations? How did Paul and other early Christians cope with tribulations? 16. List some of the wonderful things Christ has done for the redeemed. 17. Tell how terrible sin really is. Give examples. How does your life reveal your attitude toward sin? 18. Since death passed upon all people, how did Enoch and Elijah escape death?

29 Neither nor can be transferred from one to another, but the of either, to some extent, may fall on others. (R. L. Whiteside via James Burton Coffman) Explain. 20. You were in your and, in which you used to live when you followed this and of the of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are.... it is by you have been. (NIV)