“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.)”
King James Version (KJV)
Sunday Levinus Alaka's comment on 2020-07-24 09:05:56:
For if, by the trespass of the one, death reigned through the one; much more shall they that receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one, (even) Jesus Christ. Adam's sin has allowed death to "reign" over the human race. We face physical and spiritual death because of sin. We may say that at the present time death is king of the hill ( Hebrews 2:15) for all who are not Christians. Death ceases to be king for those who become Christians because the saved "reign in life through Jesus Christ." Those who are in Christ are able to overcome the spiritual consequences of sin, and they overcome physical death in the sense that they will be raised to inherit eternal life. Death is no longer an unbeatable enemy. It may win a battle when it claims our life, but it will not defeat the Christian in the war for the soul. For information on the word "trespasses" (paraptoma), see the commentary on verse16. Concerning the word reign (basileuo), this same term is used of an earthly ruler in Matthew 2:22, sin ( Romans 6:12), and Jesus Himself ( 1 Corinthians 15:25). It is also found in verse21. Here, it is used twice, and its dual use shows that the reign of death can be defeated if we accept the reign offered by Christ. Describing God's grace as "abundant" (perisseia) caused Paul to use a term found only here, 2 Corinthians 8:2; 2 Corinthians 10:15; James 1:21. In each of these places it refers "to something above or beyond the normal. It suggests 'the element of excess and fullness that overflows the set bounds. In this process of overflowing, the existing standards and rules are transcended and what was comparable becomes incomparable'" (CBL, GED, 5:160). We have access to God's grace right now because "receiving" is a present tense verb. Notice too that our ability to overcome the consequences of sin is only possible "through" (ASV) or "by" (KJV) Christ. This is absolutely consistent with other verses like John 14:6.
Sunday Alaka Ogechi's comment on 2020-07-24 07:48:04:
For if - This verse contains the same idea as before presented, but in a varied form. It is condensing the whole subject, and presenting it in a single view.By one man's offence - Or, by one offence. Margin. The reading of the text is the more correct. "If, under the administration of a just and merciful Being, it has occurred, that by the offence of one, death hath exerted so wide a dominion; we have reason much more to expect under that administration, that they who are brought under his plan of saving mercy shall be brought under a dispensation of life."
Death reigned - Note, Romans 5:14.
By one - By means of one man.
Much more - We have much more reason to expect it. It evidently accords much more with the administration of a Being of infinite goodness.
They which receive abundance of grace - The abundant favor; the mercy that shall counterbalance and surpass the evils introduced by the sin of Adam. That favor shall be more than sufficient to counterbalance all those evils. This is particularly true of the redeemed, of whom the apostle in this verse is speaking. The evils which they suffer in consequence of the sin of Adam bear no comparison with the mercies of eternal life that shall flow to them from the work of the Saviour.
The gift of righteousness - This stands opposed to the evils introduced by Adam. As the effect of his sin was to produce condemnation, so here the gift of righteousness refers to the opposite, to pardon, to justification, to acceptance with God. To show that people were thus justified by the gospel, was the leading design of the apostle; and the argument here is, that if by one man's sin, death reigned over those who were under condemnation in consequence of it, we have much more reason to suppose that they who are delivered from sin by the death of Christ, and accepted of God, shall reign with him in life.
Shall reign - The word "reign" is often applied to the condition of saints in heaven, 2 Timothy 2:12.
MockingBird's comment on 2015-01-07 03:44:04:
In Adam we all were dead : Held in bondage : In Christ Jesus we all live : wherein we are all made free from sin and death : In Jesus Christ we have the gift of Grace : Salvation : and righteousness in Jesus : He is my righteousness : Therefore through Jesus Christ I rule and reign in my life. Praise God : The words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart shall be pleasing to my Lord ,who is my strength and redeemer. Yes !!! Amen !!!
Felix Osiadi's comment on 2014-12-31 06:54:53:
If the sin of one Adam brought death upon all human race, the grace and free gift of righteousness by Jesus Christ brought life to all that believe in Him.
Doris's comment on 2013-12-24 20:12:21:
Father we thank you for your word, that is living in us. In Jesus Name.
Cheryl. C's comment on 2013-12-24 08:01:10:
The Grace of God is greater than any thing that I come up against. I am made to sit in heavenly places in Christ . Once death reigned; now life reigns. Thank God : God is greater !!!!!! I Praise my Lord Jesus for the new birth ; no longer held in bondage
Susan Dalton's comment on 2012-12-18 19:21:13:
Romans 5:17. The first Adam fails; the second Adam prevails.