Bible Commentaries
Romans 5

Verses 1-21

The apostle now dealt with the values of justification. The value to the individual is a threefold blessing. This nature as to cause the heart to rejoice.

The apostle now showed the difference between the first and second man, the first and last Adam, in their race headship and the results produced by each. The whole argument is based on the literal accuracy of the account of the fall of man chronicled in Genesis, the apostle making no fewer than nine references thereto in so short a passage. In the case of the first Adam, disobedience issued in sin, judgment, condemnation, death for the race. In the case of the last Adam, obedience issued in grace, justification, righteousness, life for the race. These are coextensive. So far as the evil results of the first Adam's sin have spread, so far do the benefits of the last Adam's work extend.

By faith in Jesus, the last Adam, man can be set free from all the results of the disobedience of the first Adam. By continuity in the disobedience of the first Adam, man is excluded from the values of the work of the last Adam.