Romans Chapter 5 cont'd
But if you think Adam's sin had impact, consider the impact of Christ's free gift! If the first man's action resulted in sin and death spreading to so many people, the action of this Man not only negated sin and death, but also imparted righteousness and eternal life to people. Consider this contrast further: Adam's one sin resulted in many sins and a corresponding judgment from God. This is natural. But the free gift bought by Christ captured of all that sin and condemnation and transformed it into righteousness. This is supernatural! Yes, one man's sin was powerful enough to cause death to have dominion, but the gift of Jesus Christ was even more powerful. Through him, people can receive what they don't deserve- God's unmerited favor and an overcoming, transcendent life.
To sum it up in other words, just as one act of disobedience resulted in sin and judgment coming upon all mankind; even so one act of obedience resulted in righteousness and a higher life being made freely available to this whole sinful and condemned human race. If the first thing seems "unfair", the second certainly is!
Comments:
Truly, Adam's choice was sweeping and powerful in its effects on all his descendants. Yet, Paul's point is that Christ's work was "much more" powerful in nature. Whenever I read this passage, I always think of an analogy. Imagine how one rotten apple, given just a bit of time, can easily spoil a whole barrel of unspoiled apples. But can you imagine placing a perfect apple into a barrel of rotten apples and then, after a bit of time, you find that all of those apples have been restored and transformed back into a perfect state? In the first case, you would lament at the power of natural corruption, but you would not be surprised. In the second case, you would absolutely stunned at an unprecedented miracle that you would want the whole world to know about! So it should be regarding the life and ministry of Jesus the Christ and his effect upon fallen humanity.
If someone unjustly pushed you into a dangerous rushing river. And...you couldn't swim and you knew you really were going to die. Would you argue with the person (his methods or motives) who suddenly showed up and who's job it was to rescue people in peril on the river and bring such perpetrators to justice? Or would you try to simply cooperate with his instructions as he came your way, be grateful and leave the matter of the perp in his hands?
It's humbling to admit that there are massive forces at work in our world that have deeply affected and do affect our lives...forces way beyond our own personal will..as critical as it is. The "force" of Adam's ancient choice...the "force" of our Creator bringing each of us into this world via our parents mating...the "force" of the Heavenly Father's grace toward us in Christ...the "force" of the Holy Spirit drawing us to Jesus Christ...are four of these most powerful realities.
God delights in being our Savior (it's just Who He is and what He does!) and all He asks for is our "little" cooperation and a lifetime of thanks...loving Him back and all the rest develop from these reasonable responses.
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