March 19, 2010 Lesson 10 of Romans 5:12-21

March 19, 2010 Lesson 10 of Romans 5:12-21
What are the consequences for men and women: a) of Adam’s fall in to sin, and b) of Christ’s ‘obedience’ or ‘act of righteousness’? In what respects are the latter both similar to, and different from, the former? What ought we to recognize about the character of the benefit that becomes ours in Christ? Answer: The consequence for all men through Adam is death; physical as well as spiritual (separation from God). The consequence for those who believe (but is available to all IF they believe v18) in Christ is Life. The only way I see that they are similar is that they both changed mankind for all time. Adam brought condemnation, while Christ brought salvation. They differ in their effectiveness (What Adam brought can be undone, what Christ brings to give can’t be undone) and extent (Adam brought to all men, Christ brings to give to those who believe).

What four ‘reigns’ are spoken of in this passage? Two of them are the sad experience of all people. How do the others two operate? What benefits do they bring? How can we enter into their enjoyment? Answer: Reign of sin and death are the sad experiences. Justification and Life are the other two. Only a belief and a relationship with Christ will allow one to “enter into their enjoyment.”