Scripture - Romans 5:12-21 (CSB)
12 Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, in this way death spread to all people, because all sinned.13 In fact, sin was in the world before the law, but sin is not charged to a person’s account when there is no law. 14 Nevertheless, death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who did not sin in the likeness of Adam’s transgression. He is a type of the Coming One.
15 But the gift is not like the trespass. For if by the one man’s trespass the many died, how much more have the grace of God and the gift which comes through the grace of the one man Jesus Christ overflowed to the many. 16 And the gift is not like the one man’s sin, because from one sin came the judgment, resulting in condemnation, but from many trespasses came the gift, resulting in justification.[b] 17 If by the one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive the overflow of grace and the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ.
18 So then, as through one trespass there is condemnation for everyone, so also through one righteous act there is justification leading to life for everyone. 19 For just as through one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so also through the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous. 20 The law came along to multiply the trespass. But where sin multiplied, grace multiplied even more 21 so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace will reign through righteousness, resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
📖 The Doctrine of Sin
Defintion
**The Doctrine of Sin
The doctrine of sin, or hamartiology, in Christian theology, is the study of sin, focusing on its nature, origin, and consequences.
**Practical Focus
Understanding the nature of sin and how it affects our lives, along with the solution found in Christ.
Sermon Points
Adam’s Sin,
Romans 5:12-14. “12 Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, in this way death spread to all people, because all sinned.13 In fact, sin was in the world before the law, but sin is not charged to a person’s account when there is no law. 14 Nevertheless, death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who did not sin in the likeness of Adam’s transgression. He is a type of the Coming One.**”
Key Point: One person’s bad choice (Adam’s) messed things up for everyone, bringing sin and death to the whole world. No one escaped it.
God’s
Romans 5:15, 20b. “15 But the gift is not like the trespass. For if by the one man’s trespass the many died, how much more have the grace of God and the gift which comes through the grace of the one man Jesus Christ overflowed to the many…20b But where sin multiplied, grace multiplied even more”
Key Point: Even though sin was everywhere, God’s amazing grace through Jesus is far, far greater. It’s like a flood of goodness that overwhelms all our wrongs.
From Guilty to
Romans 5:16-17. “16 And the gift is not like the one man’s sin, because from one sin came the judgment, resulting in condemnation, but from many trespasses came the gift, resulting in justification. 17 If by the one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive the overflow of grace and the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ.”
Key point: Adam’s sin made us all guilty, but Jesus’s perfect act makes us right with God. We’re no longer condemned but are given a fresh start and the chance to live a victorious life.
Two
Romans 5:18-19“18 So then, as through one trespass there is condemnation for everyone, so also through one righteous act there is justification leading to life for everyone. 19 For just as through one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so also through the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous.
Key Point: Just as Adam’s disobedience made many sinners, Jesus’s perfect obedience makes many righteous. He took our place and did what we couldn’t.
Grace
Roman 5:21 “21 so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace will reign through righteousness, resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Key Point: In the end, it’s not sin that gets the last word, but grace. Grace will ultimately lead us to eternal life through Jesus Christ.
Key Point:
✍️ Reflection Questions:
- Given that sin and death spread to all through one man’s act, how does recognizing your own inheritance of this condition deepen your appreciation for the “overflow of grace” offered through Jesus Christ?
- The passage states that “where sin multiplied, grace multiplied even more.” In what areas of your life have you seen God’s grace multiply and overcome situations where sin seemed overwhelming?
Personal Notes:
Devotional: Truths We Live By – The Doctrine of Sin
Monday – The Universal Reach of Sin and Death
Scripture: Romans5:12-14 (CSB)
“12 Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, in this way death spread to all people, because all sinned.13 In fact, sin was in the world before the law, but sin is not charged to a person’s account when there is no law. 14 Nevertheless, death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who did not sin in the likeness of Adam’s transgression. He is a type of the Coming One.**”
Personal Reflection:
How does understanding that sin is a “universal inheritance” rather than just individual bad choices change your perspective on yourself, others, and the world’s problems?
Action: Over the next week, observe how the “universal reach of sin” manifests in your daily life and in the world around you. This isn’t about judging, but about growing in awareness.
Tuesday – The Overwhelming Abundance of God’s Grace
Scripture: Romans 5:15, 20b (CSB)
“15 But the gift is not like the trespass. For if by the one man’s trespass the many died, how much more have the grace of God and the gift which comes through the grace of the one man Jesus Christ overflowed to the many…20b But where sin multiplied, grace multiplied even more”
Personal Reflection: Because God’s grace is so much more abundant than sin, how might fully grasping this truth change your perspective on your past failures, your present struggles, and your future hope?
Action: Jot down a brief sentence or two acknowledging the specific struggle, and then directly underneath, write a statement affirming God’s overwhelming grace in that area.
Wednesday – From Condemnation to Justification: A Divine Exchange
Scripture: Romans 5:16-17 (CSB)
“16 And the gift is not like the one man’s sin, because from one sin came the judgment, resulting in condemnation, but from many trespasses came the gift, resulting in justification. 17 If by the one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive the overflow of grace and the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ.”
Personal Reflection: How does understanding that “justification” is a gift from God, not something you earn, impact your sense of worthiness, security, and peace before Him?
Action: Consider what “reigning in life” looks like in contrast to that feeling of condemnation or inadequacy. What is one small, tangible step you can take this week that reflects living in the victory and purpose that comes from being justified, rather than being weighed down by guilt? This could be a step of forgiveness (of self or others), a step of confidence, or a step of service.
Thursday – One Man’s Disobedience, One Man’s Obedience
Scripture: Romans 5:18-19 (CSB)
“18 So then, as through one trespass there is condemnation for everyone, so also through one righteous act there is justification leading to life for everyone. 19 For just as through one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so also through the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous.
Personal Reflection: If Jesus acted as your perfect representative, fulfilling all righteousness on your behalf, what implications does this have for how you view your own attempts at earning God’s favor or your struggle with personal failures?
*Action:*Rest in His Obedience: Consciously release the burden of earning righteousness and intentionally rest in the fact that Jesus’s perfect obedience is credited to you. This might involve taking a deep breath, offering a quick prayer of thanks for His finished work, or simply acknowledging that your standing before God is secure in Him.
Friday – Grace Reigns for Eternal Life
Scripture: Romans 5: 21 (CSB)
“21 so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace will reign through righteousness, resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Personal Reflection: Knowing that your ultimate destiny is “eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord,” how does this future hope empower you to live differently today, embracing grace and pursuing righteousness in your daily choices?
Action: Create a “Grace Reigning” visual or reminder for your daily life (this could be writing Romans 5:21 on a sticky note and placing it where you’ll see it daily (e.g., bathroom mirror, computer monitor). Each time you see or interact with your reminder, pause for a moment. Take a deep breath and consciously affirm: “Grace reigns in my life, leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ.” Then, consider one small way you can live out that truth in the next few hours (e.g., choosing patience over frustration, offering forgiveness, speaking a kind word, or simply resting in God’s peace).
Truths We Live By