Romans 5:18-21

Read Romans 5:18. One trespass: fall = condemnation. One act of righteousness: cross = justification. We have condemnation, not because of what we did, all our sins. But because of what Adam did. We are justified, not because of what we do, but because of what Christ did. Personal sins don't send you to hell and personal good deeds don't send you to heaven. The last part of 18 does not mean that all men will be saved. The word all means people in general, not every single person. Entire book of Romans is clear that we are right with God only by faith in Christ. There are solemn warnings in Romans about wrath and judgment. We may not like the truth of hell and we certainly don't understand it but God is God and we are not. We don't get to choose which doctrine or truths we like and which we don't. We must submit to God and his holy Word and trust that God is good, right, and just.

Read Romans 5:19. This is the fifth verse in a row saying: because of Adam's disobedience we died and because of Christ's obedience, we can have life. Perhaps the author is emphatic because human pride wants to earn salvation. We get right with God not because of anything we do but because of what Christ did. Rest in the cross of Christ. Our only hope is the cross of Jesus.

Read Romans 5:20. The law, 10 commandments and 613 commands, never saved one person that's not the purpose. The purpose of the law is to show our sin and lead us to Christ, it actually increased our sin! If you are going to tell your 6 year old son to not open the drawer, he is goign to do it. That is human nature. But, where sin increases grace abounds. Do you feel your sin is so bad, God can't forgive it? Then that's a small view of God's grace. Do you feel you need to pay for sin by feeling guilty for a long time? That's relying on yourself and it doesn't work. Rely on Christ.

Read Romans 5:20-21. Because of Adam, sin reigned. But now, because of Christ, grace reigns. We don't serve sin and death anymore. Grace reigns we have been forgiven. God is calling us to obedience, to holiness. The first step is to know you dont' have to sin. The second is to no longer serve that sin in your life.

Discussions Questions:
1. Are you still striving to "earn" your salvation? What things do you need to give up and lay at the foot of the cross?
2. What sin are you struggling with? (fear, anger, unforgiveness, alcoholism, etc.) It's a lie that you have to serve that sin as master, lay it at the cross.