Off the Shelf Sunday School--Romans

The Law and Faith (5:12-21)

Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned—for before the law was given, sin was in the world. But sin is not taken into account when there is no law. Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who din(did) not sin by breaking a command, as did Adam, who was a pattern of the one to come. But the gift is not like the trespass. For if 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 one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many! Again, the gift of God is not like the result of one man’s sin: The judgment followed one sin and brought condemnation, but the gift followed many trespasses and brought justification. For if, by the trespass of one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ. Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men. 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. The law was added so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more, so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.  

1.        The sin of Adam and Eve ,in eating forbidden fruit, gave them knowledge of good and evil. This knowledge corrupted them and changed their character. This was passed from them to their descendants. Therefore, being sinful and rebellious against God became part of what makes us human. (Rom 3:10-18)

2.        Death is the penalty for sin. People age and die. Likewise, sin causes eternal separation from God. This has been the fate of humans regardless of whether they know God’s commands as given to Moses. This knowledge was given to the Jews and the result was that it increased their knowledge of sinfulness. It did not excuse those who did not have this knowledge. 

3.        Christians are servants of God. The Bible teaches that the servants of God will not be condemned because of their sins but they will be judged. There will be consequences for the lack of obedience but not condemnation. (Lk 12:47-48; 1 Cor 3:11-15; Rom 8:1-4)

4.        Paul teaches that, just as humans were corrupted and condemned by the sin of Adam, so humans can be forgiven by faith in the righteous life, death and resurrection of Jesus.

5.        Some false teachers say that the use of “many” and “all” by Paul mean that everyone will be saved by Jesus regardless of faith. This idea clearly conflicts with the fundamental idea found throughout the Bible that faith is required. The Bible says that some will go to heaven and others hell based on whether they have faith in Jesus. Can you think of other Bible teachings that conflict with the false teaching of universal salvation?

6.        Physical death is the fate of everyone except those who are raptured and a few special people like Enoch and Elijah. This is the result of the sin of Adam. Likewise, everyone will be resurrected because of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. However, there will be two types of resurrection: one to holiness and eternal life in heaven and the other to condemnation and torture in hell. (Rev 20:11-15)