Scripture Romans 5:12-21

12 Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned—
13 To be sure, sin was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not charged against anyone’s account where there is no law. 14 Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who did not sin by breaking a command, as did Adam, who is a pattern of the one to come.
15 But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many! 16 Nor can the gift of God be compared with the result of one man’s sin: The judgment followed one sin and brought condemnation, but the gift followed many trespasses and brought justification. 17 For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!
18 Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people. 19 For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.
20 The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more, 21 so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Observation: verse caught my attention was vs. 14.  Not sure if I’ve ever noticed that one before. “…even over those who did not sin by breaking a command..”.  So that had me wondering what does this mean? After reading many commentaries on this today, the general consensus is that it is talking about infants here. They do not sin by breaking a command, as they are incapable of understanding that, but rather the point is how sin is part of our nature, stemming from the original sin in the Garden. And isn’t it interesting how the story of the original sin is always told of Eve eating the fruit, but it’s called the sin of Adam. Men step up, we are going to be held accountable for our family.

The point; just as sin entered the world through one man, sin was defeated by one man, Jesus. And His saving grace was given to all mankind who choose to take it.

 

Application: We are so vulnerable to sin. It’s all around us, it’s in our nature. We must not give up or grow weary from sharing the good news and pointing people to the man who defeated sin. We have an important mission, the most important mission there is. This is why we are here.

Prayer: what a wonderful reminder of your incredible power and love to save us all. God help us not to give up or grow complacent towards leading people to You. Lord, I pray for those around all of us today that we know are not following you. Show us Lord how to reach out to them. Give us courage and words to speak, and may our actions today reflect you. thank you Jesus, amen.