Romans 5:18 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men.

NIV: Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people.

NASB: So then, as through one offense the result was condemnation to all mankind, so also through one act of righteousness the result was justification of life to all mankind.

CSB: 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.

NLT: Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone.

KJV: Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.

NKJV: Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life.

Paul summarizes the ideas he has been discussing since the beginning of this section in verse 12. One trespass, one sin, led to the condemnation of all men. This was Adam's sin in breaking God's command not to eat from one specific tree. In doing so, he introduced sin and death to the world, where they took root in every person to follow. Because all sinned, all faced God's judgment and the same fate: condemnation.

By contrast, though, one "act of righteousness" leads to the opportunity for justification for every person in the world. This act of righteousness was Jesus' death on the cross to pay for human sin. Those who, by faith, receive this free gift of God's grace are declared righteous by God. They are justified. This is the case Paul has been making throughout Romans.

Some read the words "for all men" here to mean that all people are justified by Christ's death on the cross no matter what. In other words, even faith in Christ is not required to be saved from God's wrath; all people will simply find themselves justified and saved, no matter what they do or believe. This is known as "universalism," but it cannot be reconciled with what Paul teaches throughout Romans and throughout the New Testament. Even in the previous verse, Paul insists that God's abundant grace is specifically for those who receive it, by faith.

Romans 5:12–21 compares the work of Adam with the work of Christ to show how sin and death came into the world, and how God made a way to escape them. Adam, specially created by God, became the first lawbreaker when he ate from the restricted tree. He brought sin and death to all who came after him. Jesus, hung on a tree—a phrase implying crucifixion—paid for our sin, making it possible for all who believe to reign with Him in eternal life.

Romans 5 begins by describing some of the benefits that come with being declared righteous by God because of our faith in Christ. We have peace with God, and we stand in His grace. We rejoice both in the hope of God's glory and in our temporary suffering. We have hope that will not disappoint, because God has already proved His love for us. Paul then compares the work of Adam in bringing sin and death into the world with the work of Christ in dying for sin in order to offer God's free gift of grace to all who believe.

After proving that all men are guilty of sin and incapable of earning salvation, Paul explained how faith—not works—is the means by which God declares us righteous. Romans 5 begins with a powerful, joyful revelation of all that comes with being justified in God's eyes by our faith in Christ. We have peace with God. We stand in God's grace. We have hope for eternal glory and meaning in our current suffering. God has proven His love for us in the death of Christ for our sin while we were still sinners. Adam introduced sin and death to the world, and they continue. Christ, though, by dying for our sin brought God's grace to all who believe. The next chapter begins by refuting a common misconception about salvation by grace through faith.

The book of Romans is the New Testament's longest, most structured, and most detailed description of Christian theology. Paul lays out the core of the gospel message: salvation by grace alone through faith alone. His intent is to explain the good news of Jesus Christ in accurate and clear terms. As part of this effort, Paul addresses the conflicts between law and grace, between Jews and Gentiles, and between sin and righteousness. As is common in his writing, Paul closes out his letter with a series of practical applications.