How does Romans 5:18-19 connect with the message of 1 Corinthians 15:22? The Two Representatives at the Heart of Both Texts • Romans 5:18-19 and 1 Corinthians 15:22 hinge on the same reality: every person is represented by one of two men. • Adam stands for the old creation, Christ for the new. • What each man did is counted to everyone “in” him. Adam’s Trespass: Condemnation and Death “Just as one trespass brought condemnation for all men … through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners …” “For as in Adam all die …” Key points • One act—eating the forbidden fruit (Genesis 3)—spread guilt to the entire human race. • “Condemnation” (Romans 5:18) equals spiritual, physical, and eternal death (Romans 6:23). • Death is universal because everyone is “in Adam” by natural birth (Romans 3:23; Ephesians 2:1). Christ’s Obedience: Justification and Life “… one act of righteousness brought justification and life for all men … through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous.” “… so in Christ all will be made alive.” Key points • Christ’s “one act of righteousness” encompasses His sinless life, atoning death, and victorious resurrection (Philippians 2:8; 2 Corinthians 5:21). • “Justification” (Romans 5:18) declares believers righteous; “made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:22) describes resurrection life now and forever (John 5:24; 11:25-26). • Union with Christ comes by faith, not automatic physical birth (John 1:12-13). Parallel Logic, Different Emphases Romans 5 stresses legal standing • Condemnation vs. justification. • Guilt imputed vs. righteousness imputed. 1 Corinthians 15 stresses bodily destiny • Death inherited vs. resurrection promised. • Adam’s dust returns to dust (15:47); Christ’s life-giving Spirit reverses decay (15:45). Both together • Same representative framework. • Same universal reach: everyone is either “in Adam” or “in Christ.” • Same outcome contrast: death vs. life, guilt vs. righteousness. The Scope of “All” • “All” in Adam = every human being (Genesis 5; Romans 3:23). • “All” in Christ = all who belong to Him (1 Corinthians 15:23; John 3:16). • Paul echoes Isaiah 53:11—“the many” justified by the Servant—showing that Christ’s work effectively saves all His own. Resurrection Ties the Passages Together • Romans 5 promises “life”; 1 Corinthians 15 defines that life as bodily resurrection. • Christ’s resurrection is “firstfruits” (15:20)—guaranteeing that those justified will also be raised. Living as the New Humanity • Count on your new status: “alive to God in Christ Jesus” (Romans 6:11). • Reject the old Adamic patterns: “put off the old self” (Ephesians 4:22-24). • Anticipate the full unveiling of resurrection life when Christ returns (1 Corinthians 15:51-57). |
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