Adam And Christ Compared
Romans 5:15-21
[15] But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man’s trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many. [16] And the free gift is not like the result of that one man’s sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification. [17] For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.
[18] Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. [19] For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous. [20] Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, [21] so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study
1. What is the one big similarity that Paul identifies between Adam and Christ? How does 1 Corinthians 15:21-22 help us to interpret this larger passage?
2. Why does Paul devote so much space to this comparison? How does he want it to affect his Christian readers?
3. How does this passage depict the power or efficacy of God’s grace through Christ (see especially vv. 15, 20, and 21)? How does this elevate your worship, gratitude, and assurance?
4. How does Paul describe the different results that derive from Adam and Christ?
5. How does this passage inform your Christology (view of Christ)? Why are his righteousness and obedience so precious to us?
References: 1 Corinthians 15:21-22; Hebrews 4:16; Romans 6:4; John 10:10; Revelation 22:5; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Corinthians 1:30; Matthew 3:15; Galatians 4:4; John 4:34; 6:38; Matthew 26:39.
