Into the Heart of Romans
A Deep Dive into Paul’s Greatest Letter
The Shape and Theme + Romans 8 within Romans as a Whole
Pages 10-17
Romans 5:12-21 (NIV) Death Through Adam, Life Through Christ
Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned. To be sure, sin was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not charged against anyone’s account where there is no law. Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who did not sin by breaking a command, as did Adam, who is a pattern of the one to come. But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many! Nor can the gift of God be compared with the result of one man’s sin: The judgment followed one sin and brought condemnation, but the gift followed many trespasses and brought justification. For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ! Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people. For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous. The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more, so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Paul assures believers that their future salvation is secure through the work of Christ and the Holy Spirit. How does this assurance shape the way we face suffering, persecution, and the challenges of daily life as followers of Jesus?
Paul reminds believers that “It is God who justifies… who then is to condemn?” (Romans 8:33–34). How does this truth shape the way you think and feel about judgment, guilt, and your relationship with God? In what ways have you experienced the peace or freedom that comes from knowing your verdict is already secure in Christ?
Romans 8 teaches that our assurance in Christ is meant to sustain us as we walk through suffering, not just to calm our fears about the future. How does seeing suffering as part of God’s larger purpose change the way you understand and endure difficult seasons in life?
Many people see God’s justice and love as opposites, but Scripture shows them working together in His plan “to set the world right” through His covenant faithfulness. How does understanding God’s justice and love as united (rather than opposed) deepen your view of who God is and what the gospel means?
Paul says that God’s purpose is for redeemed humans to be “conformed to the image of His Son” (Romans 8:29), sharing in His glory and calling as true image-bearers. What does it mean to you to be “glorified” in this way, and how might this vision shape how you live and relate to the world around you today?