Romans 5:17: For If, Because Of One Man's Trespass, Death Reigned Through That One Man

Romans 5:17
[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. (ESV)

Let's go back and consider the "one man's trespass." Paul is speaking of Adam, the first man. Because of Adam's trespass, or sin, death reigned through Adam and to all mankind. How did this trespass come about? How did Adam fall so greatly so as to condemn not only himself but all mankind in the process?

Adam was deceived. He believed the lie that he would be like God and have eternal life by eating that which was forbidden. Satan attacked the holy character and nature of God, questioning his goodness in giving a rule to Adam that restricted his "freedom." Satan told Adam “You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God."

From the very beginning the devil has been a liar. The enemy distorts the truth of what God has said. He questions God's motivations and presents them as being evil and harmful to us. Satan portrays God's ways as restrictive and intended to stifle are freedom and also put down our ability to glorify ourselves.

Deception is real. It is deadly. All mankind has felt its effects. But there is good news in today's verse. Those who receive the abundance of God's grace and his free gift of righteousness will actually receive eternal life and be like God. These things that Satan promised and could not deliver, God delivered through the death of his wonderful Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior.

Do not fall for the deceptions and lies of Satan. Eternal life is only found through a relationship with God through the gift of his grace in Christ Jesus. Celebrate that life today.

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