The Superiority of Christ’s Grace
Romans 5:15–17 (NLT)
15 But there is a great difference between Adam’s sin and God’s gracious gift. For the sin of this one man, Adam, brought death to many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of forgiveness to many through this other man, Jesus Christ. 16 And the result of God’s gracious gift is very different from the result of that one man’s sin. For Adam’s sin led to condemnation, but God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God, even though we are guilty of many sins. 17 For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ.
Message
I. A Great Difference (15)
See verse 15.
15 But there is a great difference between Adam’s sin and God’s gracious gift. For the sin of this one man, Adam, brought death to many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of forgiveness to many through this other man, Jesus Christ.
Paul says “a great difference” because Christ’s grace is greater than Adam’s damage.
So, the idea is not:
Adam caused death, and Jesus merely balanced it with life.
Rather:
Adam’s sin brought terrible consequences, but Christ’s grace overflows much more powerfully.
II. Very Different Results (16)
See verse 16.
16 And the result of God’s gracious gift is very different from the result of that one man’s sin. For Adam’s sin led to condemnation, but God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God, even though we are guilty of many sins.
Paul says “very different” because
Adam committed one sin, and judgment followed. But Christ’s gift came after many sins, and still brought justification.
It is not just “opposite,” like condemnation versus righteousness. It is also greater in power.
III. Even Greater Grace (17)
See verse 17.
17 For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ.
“even greater” means:
Grace is stronger than sin, and life in Christ is greater than the death brought through Adam.
Adam’s sin made death reign.
But in Christ, believers do not merely “survive.” Paul says they will reign in life.
That means Christ restores people to a place of life, victory, and relationship with God— greater than simply removing guilt.
Simple paraphrase:
“If Adam’s one sin was powerful enough to make death rule, how much more powerful is God’s grace through Jesus, which gives righteousness and causes believers to reign in life.”
Why Everyone Dies Since Adam’s Fall
Romans 5:13–14b (NLT)
13 Yes, people sinned even before the law was given. But it was not counted as sin because there was not yet any law to break. 14 Still, everyone died—from the time of Adam to the time of Moses—even those who did not disobey an explicit commandment of God, as Adam did.
Message
I. Sin Existed Before the Law (13)
See verse 13.
13 Yes, people sinned even before the law was given. But it was not counted as sin because there was not yet any law to break.
Before the law was given, they didn’t know what sin is. However, sin existed, just as verse 13a says: “Yes, people sinned even before the law was given.”
II. Death Before the Law (14b)
Also, before the law was given, people still died even without disobeying an explicit commandment of God (14b).
III. Adam’s Disobedience and Its Consequence (Genesis 2:16-17, 3:6, 24)
As for Adam, he disobeyed (Genesis 3:6) an explicit commandment given in Genesis 2:16–17. After that, Adam eventually died because he lost access to the tree of life (Genesis 3:24).
IV. Reason for Loss of Access: Moral Autonomy (Genesis 3:22)
Of course, he lost that access because God had to prohibit access to the tree of life, since he would decide good and evil by himself without consulting God (moral autonomy), as written in Genesis 3:22.
V. Universal Result: Death for All (14b)
Since then, everyone has had no access to the tree of life and has died—even those who did not disobey an explicit commandment of God (14b).
From Adam’s Fall to Enoch’s Walk
Romans 5:12 (NLT)
12 When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned.
Message
Paul compares and contrasts Adam and Christ in Romans 5:12–17. In fact, Adam is the first man, while Christ is the last Adam (1 Corinthians 15:45). Why are both Adam and Christ called by the same title, “Adam”? It is because of their foundational roles in human history. Each is the first person who began a history—either of death or of life.
Today, let us study Romans 5:12.
I. Adam’s Sin and the Entrance of Death (12)
Paul declares that sin entered the world when Adam sinned (12a). And his sin brought death (12b), as God warned in Genesis 2:16–17 NLT:
16 But the Lord God warned him, “You may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the garden—17 except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat its fruit, you are sure to die.”
When God said, “If you eat its fruit, you are sure to die.”, this refers not only to physical death but also to spiritual death. Spiritual death means disconnection from God—a broken relationship caused by rebellion or disobedience.
Now, see verse 12c:
“so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned.”
After Adam’s sin, Adam’s spiritual & mental condition was corrupted—disobedient and insolent (Genesis 3:22). Therefore, God prohibited their access to the tree of life (Genesis 3:23–24) as shown in Genesis 3:22-24 NLT:
22 Then the Lord God said, “Look, the human beings have become like us, knowing both good and evil. What if they reach out, take fruit from the tree of life, and eat it? Then they will live forever!” 23 So the Lord God banished them from the Garden of Eden, and he sent Adam out to cultivate the ground from which he had been made. 24 After sending them out, the Lord God stationed mighty cherubim to the east of the Garden of Eden. And he placed a flaming sword that flashed back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life.
II. God Sees Enoch’s Unique Faith
While most remained disobedient and insolent before God, Enoch lived in close fellowship with God (Genesis 5:22, 24a), and he was taken by God without experiencing death (Genesis 5:24b; Hebrews 11:5). Enoch is a unique example of faith and a powerful demonstration of God’s care for one who walked closely with Him. God works uniquely in each life. Enoch chose to be obedient and reverent toward God. And God made an exception for him. God could have granted him access to the tree of life, but instead God took him away from the fallen world. Our God is the God who sees (Genesis 16:13; John 4:23; Matthew 18:12; 1 Timothy 2:3–4).
From Helpless Sinners to Reconciled Friends
Romans 5:6–11 (NLT)
6 When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. 7 Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. 8 But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. 9 And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. 10 For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. 11 So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.
Message
I. Our Utter Helplessness and Christ’s Perfect Timing (6)
See verse 6a.
6a When we were utterly helpless,
The fact that we are utterly helpless is explained in Romans 1:18-3:20.
See verse 6b.
6b Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners.
In Romans 3:21–4:25, it is explained that people are made right with God by faith in Christ, not by works.
II. The God Who Loved Us at Our Worst (7–8)
To illustrate that God’s love is so great, Paul wrote verses 7 and 8:
Paul explains that most of us are unwilling to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for an especially good person (7). But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners (8).
III. Justified by His Blood, Saved by His Life (9)
More precisely, it was the blood (Leviticus 17:11; Hebrews 9:22) of Christ (1 John 1:7; Romans 3:25) by which we have been made right in God’s sight (9).
IV. The Death That Justifies, the Life That Saves (10)
The restored relationship between God and us was expressed as “friendship” (10a). We were God’s enemies previously (10b). Because the death of His Son restored us from enemies to friends, the life of His Son will certainly save us (10).
V. Joy in the God Who Made Us His Friends (11)
In verse 11, Paul repeats verse 10a-b (11b) and reminds us that we can rejoice in it (11a).
Refined by Trials, Secured by the Spirit
Romans 5:3–5 (NLT)
3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
Message
Today Paul starts talking about times when we may run into problems and trials (3b). We can rejoice, too, at such time (3a). Paul explains that they help us develop endurance (3c) and qualities that follow (4). Therefore, problems and trials are necessary and are given to us according to God’s good will.
Endurance then develops strength of character (4a). ‘character’ is dokimē in the original text written in Greek, which means
- Proven character
- Tested and approved quality
- Something that has passed the test
It’s not just personality or traits you’re born with. It’s who you become after being tested and refined. We can think of metal refined by fire. Raw metal contains impurities. After refinement, the metal becomes strong, pure and proven. That final result is what Paul calls “character”. 1 Peter 1:6-7 NLT explains this:
6 So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. 7 These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.
And character strengthens our confident hope of salvation (4b). And this hope will not lead to disappointment (5a). Paul explains this by pointing to the deposit God has placed in us as a guarantee —the Holy Spirit (5b). This is also explained in 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 NLT:
21 It is God who enables us, along with you, to stand firm for Christ. He has commissioned us, 22 and he has identified us as his own by placing the Holy Spirit in our hearts as the first installment that guarantees everything he has promised us.
This is reflected in Luke 11:13 NLT, where the Holy Spirit is described as the good gift God gives to those who ask Him:
13 So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.
Therefore, trials are not meaningless—they are God’s way of refining our faith, producing proven character, and leading us into a confident hope that will never disappoint. This hope is secure because God has already given us His Holy Spirit as the guarantee of His love and our salvation.
Resurrection Faith: Peace Today, Glory Tomorrow
Romans 5:1–2 (NLT)
1 Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. 2 Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.
Message
Over the last few weeks, we have studied how faith makes us right with God (Romans 3:21–4:25 NLT).
Abraham was made right with God by believing in ‘what God was going to do’ —that God would give him countless descendants (Genesis 15:5-6). Even as Abraham and Sarah grew old without a child, he believed that God could give life to bodies that were “as good as dead” (Romans 4:17-19). Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise; instead, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God (Romans 4:20 NLT).
As for us, we are made right with God by believing in ‘what God has already done through Christ’ (1). Christ Jesus died, was buried, and on the third day God raised Him back to life (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Through our faith in His death and resurrection, we have been justified (1).
Romans 5:2 (NLT) tells us that because of our faith, Christ has brought us into:
- this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand (our present standing in grace)
- and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory (our future salvation and glorification).
Today’s scripture allows us to briefly revisit both Abraham’s faith and our own —faith in the God who raises the dead. And today, on Resurrection Sunday, 5 April 2026, we celebrate the very power that makes our justification, our peace, and our future glory certain.
Happy Resurrection Sunday, everyone!
The Faith of Abraham
Romans 4:16–25 (NLT)
16 So the promise is received by faith. It is given as a free gift. And we are all certain to receive it, whether or not we live according to the law of Moses, if we have faith like Abraham’s. For Abraham is the father of all who believe. 17 That is what the Scriptures mean when God told him, “I have made you the father of many nations.” This happened because Abraham believed in the God who brings the dead back to life and who creates new things out of nothing.
18 Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping—believing that he would become the father of many nations. For God had said to him, “That’s how many descendants you will have!” 19 And Abraham’s faith did not weaken, even though, at about 100 years of age, he figured his body was as good as dead—and so was Sarah’s womb.
20 Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. 21 He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises. 22 And because of Abraham’s faith, God counted him as righteous. 23 And when God counted him as righteous, it wasn’t just for Abraham’s benefit. It was recorded 24 for our benefit, too, assuring us that God will also count us as righteous if we believe in him, the one who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 25 He was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised to life to make us right with God.
Message
I. The Promise Comes by Faith Alone (16)
Last week, we studied “The Promise is by Grace, Not Legal Performance” (Romans 4:13-15 NLT). So, verse 16 summarizes it:
16 So the promise is received by faith. It is given as a free gift. And we are all certain to receive it, whether or not we live according to the law of Moses, if we have faith like Abraham’s. For Abraham is the father of all who believe.
Abraham is not only the father of the Jews but also the spiritual father of all who believe (16; see also Romans 4:11-12 NLT). God told Abraham, “I have made you the father of many nations.” (Genesis 17:5) That is, God promised him not just one nation, Israel, but many nations. This is possible because whoever has faith like Abraham’s is his descendant, regardless of whether he is a Jew or a Gentile (17a).
II. Faith like Abraham’s is this (17-25)
- Abraham believed in the God who brings the dead back to life (19; Hebrews 11:19; Genesis 22) and who creates new things out of nothing (17b).
- Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping—believing that he would become the father of many nations. For God had said to him, “That’s how many descendants you will have!” (18; Genesis 15:5)
- And Abraham’s faith did not weaken, even though, at about 100 years of age, he figured his body was as good as dead—and so was Sarah’s womb (19).
- Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God (20). He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises (21).
And because of Abraham’s faith shown above, God counted him as righteous (22). This was recorded (23b) for our benefit, assuring us that God will also count us as righteous if we believe in Him, the one who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead (24). He was handed over to die because of our sins, and He was raised to life to make us right with God (25).
III. Call to Faith
Even though unbelievers are spiritually dead, they can be raised from death and become children of God through faith in Jesus Christ.
And even though believers still have weaknesses, they are covered by His redemption on the cross. As they continue in faith, they grow, and their lives begin to give glory to God.
Therefore, let us live by faith—like Abraham—fully convinced that God will do what He has promised.
The Promise Is by Grace, Not Legal Performance
Romans 4:13–15 (NLT)
13 Clearly, God’s promise to give the whole earth to Abraham and his descendants was based not on his obedience to God’s law, but on a right relationship with God that comes by faith. 14 If God’s promise is only for those who obey the law, then faith is not necessary and the promise is pointless. 15 For the law always brings punishment on those who try to obey it. (The only way to avoid breaking the law is to have no law to break!)
Message
I. The Nature of the Promise (13)
See verse 13.
13 Clearly, God’s promise to give the whole earth to Abraham and his descendants was based not on his obedience to God’s law, but on a right relationship with God that comes by faith.
“Gods promise to give the whole earth to Abraham and his descenants” is referring to Genesis 17:8 NLT.
8 And I will give the entire land of Canaan, where you now live as a foreigner, to you and your descendants. It will be their possession forever, and I will be their God.”
God made this covenant with Abraham (Genesis 17:1-8 NLT) as well as Isaac (Genesis 26:3-4, 24) and Jacob (Genesis 28:13-15, Genesis 35:11-12). The blessings God promised them include:
- Countless descendants (Genesis 17:2), extreme fruitfulness (Genesis 17:6)
- God Almighty will always be their God (Genesis 17:1, 7)
- The eternal possession of the entire land of Canaan (Genesis 17:8) or the whole earth (Romans 4:13)
II. The Hypothetical Scenario (14)
See verse 14.
14 If God’s promise is only for those who obey the law, then faith is not necessary and the promise is pointless.
Here, Paul argues hypothetically.
- The hypothesis is “If God’s promise is only for those who obey the law” (14a)
The logical consequences are
- Faith is useless (14b).
- The promise becomes meaningless (14c).
III. Why the Law Cannot Secure the Promise (15a)
Verse 15a says the reason:
15a For the law always brings punishment on those who try to obey it.
No one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands, but the law simply shows us how sinful we are (Romans 3:20, 5:20a).
Even if we try to obey the law (15a2), the law reveals sin (Romans 3:20, 5:20a) and brings judgment and punishment (15a1).
IV. The Only Escape From Condemnation (15b)
Finally see verse 15b.
15b (The only way to avoid breaking the law is to have no law to break!)
This verse reminds us of following verses:
- James 2:13b (NKJV, ESV, NIV)
Mercy triumphs over judgment.
- Proverbs 10:12 (NKJV).
Hatred stirs up strife, But love covers all sins.
- 1 Peter 4:8 (NLT)
8 Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.
- Matthew 5:7 (NLT)
7 God blesses those who are merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
- Matthew 6:14–15 (NLT)
14 “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. 15 But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.
- Hosea 6:6 (NLT)
6 I want you to show love (or mercy),
not offer sacrifices.
I want you to know me
more than I want burnt offerings.
Abraham: The Spiritual Father of All Who Believe
Romans 4:9–12 (NLT)
9 Now, is this blessing only for the Jews, or is it also for uncircumcised Gentiles? Well, we have been saying that Abraham was counted as righteous by God because of his faith. 10 But how did this happen? Was he counted as righteous only after he was circumcised, or was it before he was circumcised? Clearly, God accepted Abraham before he was circumcised!
11 Circumcision was a sign that Abraham already had faith and that God had already accepted him and declared him to be righteous—even before he was circumcised. So Abraham is the spiritual father of those who have faith but have not been circumcised. They are counted as righteous because of their faith. 12 And Abraham is also the spiritual father of those who have been circumcised, but only if they have the same kind of faith Abraham had before he was circumcised.
Message
I. The Question: Is the Blessing Only for the Jews? (9)
Last week we learned that righteousness is not our wage but God’s gift (Romans 4:4-8). Now Paul asks in verse 9a.
9 Now, is this blessing only for the Jews, or is it also for uncircumcised Gentiles?
II. Abraham Was Declared Righteous Before Circumcision (10, 11a)
To answer this question, Paul looks at the case of Abraham.
When Abraham was younger than 86, God counted Abraham as righteous because of his faith (9b, Genesis 15:6). When Abraham was 99 years old, God commanded Abraham to circumcise each male in Genesis 17:10-11. Therefore, Abraham was counted as righteous before he was circumcised (10). Circumcision was a sign that Abraham already had faith and that God had already accepted him and declared him to be righteous—even before he was circumcised (11b).
Relevant Scripture to Read: Genesis 17:9-14 NLT
III. Abraham Is the Spiritual Father of All Who Believe (11b, 12)
Accordingly, Paul concludes in verse 11b:
11b So Abraham is the spiritual father of those who have faith but have not been circumcised. They are counted as righteous because of their faith.
Here, Abraham is not just the father of the Jews physically, but the spiritual father of those who have faith, so that uncircumcised Gentiles can become his spiritual descendants and inherit the blessings God promised him and his descendants. What are the blessings God promised them?
The blessings include:
- Countless descendants (Genesis 17:2), extreme fruitfulness (Genesis 17:6)
- God Almighty will always be their God (Genesis 17:1, 7)
- The eternal possession of the entire land of Canaan (Genesis 17:8) or the whole earth (Romans 4:13)
Relevant Scripture to Read: God made a covenant with Abraham (Genesis 17:1-8 NLT) as well as Isaac (Genesis 26:3-4, 24) and Jacob (Genesis 28:13-15, Genesis 35:11-12).
See verse 12.
12 And Abraham is also the spiritual father of those who have been circumcised, but only if they have the same kind of faith Abraham had before he was circumcised.
Paul adds that even the circumcised such as the Jews, can become spiritual descendants of Abraham only if they have the same kind of faith Abraham had (Genesis 15:6) before he was circumcised.
Righteousness: God’s Gift, Not Our Wage
Romans 4:4–8 (NLT)
4 When people work, their wages are not a gift, but something they have earned. 5 But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners. 6 David also spoke of this when he described the happiness of those who are declared righteous without working for it:
7 “Oh, what joy for those
whose disobedience is forgiven,
whose sins are put out of sight.
8 Yes, what joy for those
whose record the Lord has cleared of sin.”
Message
I. Righteousness Is a Gift, Not a Wage (4–6)
We studied ‘righteousness through faith’ last week. Verse 4 contrasts ‘wages’ and ‘a gift’. When we work, they earn ‘wages’ while a gift is something given for free without working for it. Righteousness is not a wage earned by work, but a gift received through faith in God who forgives sinners (5). Paul explains this using the example of David. See verse 6.
6 David also spoke of this when he described the happiness of those who are declared righteous without working for it:
II. The Joy of Forgiven Sin (7–8)
See verses 7-8.
7 “Oh, what joy for those
whose disobedience is forgiven,
whose sins are put out of sight.
8 Yes, what joy for those
whose record the Lord has cleared of sin.”
Verses 7-8 are quoted from Psalm 32:1-2 NLT.
David once sinned. Sins bring death (Romans 6:23, Ezekiel 18:4). But because he confessed and repented, he was forgiven as written in 2 Samuel 12:13 NLT.
13 Then David confessed to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.”
Nathan replied, “Yes, but the Lord has forgiven you, and you won’t die for this sin.”
David describes the joy of a person whose sins are forgiven. Though sin brings death, God forgives those who confess and trust Him. Their sins are no longer counted against them, and they are declared righteous by God’s grace, not by their works.
Although God forgives sin, He may still discipline His people (see 2 Samuel 12:14 NLT).
