"And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgement was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification." Romans 5v16
We discussed in verse 15 the essential difference between Adam's act and Christ's act; in this verse we now consider the differences between the two in respect of the Divine verdicts on the two situations. In connection with Adam's sin the Divine verdict is condemnation; in connection with Christ's obedience the Divine verdict is justification. These two are opposites and one came through Adam, the other through Christ.
Before we look into the meaning of these two verdicts the "one" here refers not so much to one man but to one sin; we know this because the contrasting work of Christ led to the cancelling of many offences, so he is talking here of one sin of Adam and the cancelling of many offences through Christ. Here Paul indicates something he wants us never to forget; it was not only that one man brought sin into the world, but it was one sin of that one man who brought death and misery upon us all. That is what Paul is saying in these verses. One man Adam, one sin led to the state of the world as it is now. Taking this stark truth in, means that we understand that sin is totally unacceptable to God, and it matters not the nature of the sin because God treats it all the same. this one sin of Adam was grievous in the sight of God and it brought condemnation on everyone who would be born into the race. Adam fell for the greatest con trick in history, the suggestion by Satan, that in listening to God, in following God's word they would lose out in life. This greatest lie that was ever told is still being believed today by millions who see only what this short life has for them. It is true that the New Testament says that "Adam was not deceived," but that Eve was deceived and Adam disobeyed to protect his wife. Nevertheless the deed was done and condemnation fell. The serpent symbolising Satan cast doubt on God's word, he cast doubt on God's judgement, and lastly he cast doubt on God's goodness. The world today is still being deceived in respect of these three things: they don't believe God's word; they don't believe His judgement; and they don't believe His goodness. Satan used deception by creating doubt, dissatisfaction, and finally the great delusion; "ye shall be as gods knowing good and evil." He appeals to their pride promising something they could never have, and that he could never give them. In promising them this higher status he said you will know good and evil: they already only knew good, it did not occur to them that all he was offering them was evil.
Well has the apostle Paul stated that "the god of this world has blinded the minds of them that believe not." If you are an unbeliever you are being blinded, you are being deceived, and you need to let the light of God's truth shine into your soul. One sin, one seemingly trivial sin brought the Divine verdict of condemnation. Immediately the condemnation brought broken fellowship with God; almost immediately it would mean hard labour to produce food; eventually it would bring pain and disease; finally it would bring physical death; ultimately it would bring eternal death, eternal separation from God. Paul repeats in verse 18 of this chapter that one offence brought condemnation to all. In 2nd Corinthians 3v9 Paul describes the law as "the ministration of condemnation" (will need to explain that later). Jesus said in John 3v18 " He that believeth on Him is not condemned; but he that believeth not is condemned already because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God."
Ask yourself this question: If one sin, and that a comparatively trivial sin, has brought all this upon all mankind what does the future hold for those who have daily added sins and transgressions and iniquities by the multitude to the sin of Adam that has already condemned them? Paul reaches this thought in Romans chapter 2 when he talks about "treasuring up wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgement of God." Every added sin will be met with eternal compensation of the worst kind. Do not, I plead with you all who are reading this, do not die in your sins. Do not die without having your sins forgiven in Jesus Christ, do not leave this world until you have become right with God.
Tomorrow d.v. we will consider the Divine verdict of justification in connection with Christ.
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