15. But
the free gift is not like the transgression. For if by the transgression
of the one the many died, much more did the grace of God and the gift
by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abound to the many. 16 And
the gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned; for on
the one hand the judgment arose from one transgression resulting in
condemnation, but on the other hand the free gift arose from many
transgressions resulting in justification. 17 For if by the
transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those
who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of
righteousness
will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.
If
the link between Adam and our Lord is established clearly in verses
12-14, the distinctions are emphatically put forward in verses 15-17.
Verse 15 begins with the word �But,� informing us at the outset that
Paul is changing his focus, from the similarity between Adam and Christ
to the distinctions between these two. Twice, in verses 15-17, the
expression, �is not like� is found (verses 15 and 16). What delightful
differences these are, between Adam and our Lord. Let us briefly
consider them, as explained by Paul.
Christ�s work is
distinguished from Adam�s in that His work is referred to as a �gift,�
while Adam�s work is summed up in the term �transgression� (verse 15).
Adam�s act was a transgression, bringing guilt to mankind and its
penalty of death. Christ�s act was one flowing from God�s grace and
resulting in grace to men. The first distinction between the work of
Adam and the work of Christ is the difference between guilt and grace.
In
verse 16, Paul adds two more distinctions between Adam and Christ.
Adam�s act was but one act of sin and disobedience. Our Lord�s act
involved many sins. Adam�s act was one sin that made the many sinners.
Christ�s act was one act, but in this one gracious act, our Lord
gathered up all the sins of mankind and died for them. Furthermore,
while Adam�s sinful act resulted in the condemnation of all mankind, our
Lord�s act resulted in the justification of men.
In
verse 17, two further distinctions are presented by Paul. The first
distinction is indicated by the expression, �much more.� The action of
our Lord is greater than that of Adam.136 This becomes more evident in
the light of the next distinction, which we find in this verse. Adam�s
sin led to the �reign of death.� Adam�s sin brought sin and death upon
all men. Christ�s act brings about the �reign of righteousness in life.�
Adam�s sin brought life to an end; Christ�s act dethrones death and
enthrones righteousness, which is evidenced in life. And since this life
is eternal life, righteousness will reign forever. Adam�s sin ends
life; Christ�s act extends life, forever, as a context in which
righteousness will reign.
Whatever the similarity may
be between Adam and Christ, the distinctions are far greater. Both the
link and the distinctions between Adam and Christ make it possible for
Christ to act in such a way as to undo the damage done by Adam and to
shower upon men grace in place of guilt, righteousness in place of sin,
and life in place of death.