NGH BIBLE STUDY- ROMANS – OUTLINE #11
The Parallel of the Two Adams (Romans 5:12-21)
This section deals with headship by comparing and contrasting Adam (as the federal head of those “in Adam”) and Christ (as the federal head of those who are “in Christ). Adam’s actions brought condemnation, judgment and death – and these flow to all under his headship. Christ’s actions brought righteousness, grace and life – and these flow to all under his headship. Christ’s actions and the blessings which resulted far outweigh all that Adam lost.
Outline
Rm 5:12,13-14 – Devastation Brought by Adam’s Action
• Sin entered the world through one man’s action – and brought death – and this sentence has passed to all men because all mankind were represented in Adam’s sin
• Death reigned supreme even before the Law specifically defined transgression – showing that Adam’s sinfulness had passed to all his offspring through his headship of the race
Rm 5:15,16,17-Contrast Between Adam and Christ and the Results of Each One’s Actions
• Adam’s one action brought death to many- Christ’s one act (grace and gift) brings abundant blessing to many – notice the “much more” – the blessings in Christ far outweigh the condemnation in Adam (Rm 5:15)
• Adam’s one sin of deliberately breaking God’s command (trespass) brought condemnation to all that followed him – Christ’s gift deals with many sins and brings justification
(Rm 5:16)
• Death reigned under Adam – Life reigns in Christ – again, notice the “much more”
Rm 5:18-19,20-21 – Summary of Federal Headship – Obedience and Disobedience – Death and Life
• Rm 5:13-14,15,16,17 form a parenthesis providing background and explanation – Rm 5:18 completes the thought from Rm 5:12 – hence the “therefore” at the start of Rm 5:18
• One man’s disobedience made many sinners- one man’s obedience made many righteous
• Grace “much more” abounds over sin
Key Points/Questions for Discussion
1. Why is it important to understand the Bible’s teaching about the origin of sin and death? These things obviously exist – and there needs to be an understanding of why.
2. What is the point being made in Rm 5:13-14 about death reigning from Adam to Moses even though the law had not been given yet?
3. Does Rm 5:18 not seem to teach “universalism”? “Through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life”. How do we understand the “many” in
Rm 5:15 & Rm 5:19 and the “all men” in Rm 5:18?
(1 Cor 15:21 -22 is helpful here)
4. In a practical sense, how do we understand what it is to “reign in life by one, Jesus Christ”?
(Rm 5:17)
5. In what ways did (does) Grace “super-abound” over sin?