"The impact of the gift of God's grace cannot be placed on the same level as the curse of Adam's sin on the human race. They are two separate and distinct things, like peanuts and elephants.

If all of us are condemned by Adam's sin, how much more are we freed from that condemnation by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ? We are completely acquitted -- freed from the penalty of sin by God's grace -- incomprehensibly!

You really can't compare Adam's sin which condemned the human race, with God's grace, which liberated the entire universe! Whoa! No comparison at all!

Through Jesus, God's massive provision of grace and righteousness is the first priority in our lives. It is available to all who will receive it."
-- Romans 5:15-17 (generously massaged by PDM)

If anything is illustrated here, it is the magnitude of God's grace. Grace simply cannot be reduced to an acrostic (G.R.A.C.E. -- God's Riches At Christ's Expense) or a one-phrase definition (unmerited favor). It is much more than that. So much more!

Nowhere is this more seen than in this passage.

Some think the implications of this passage provides a disturbing challenge to the notion of selectivity in redemption.

Indeed, it is believed that through the sweeping force of the grace of God, the entire human race is redeemed.

Since there is no choice involved in receiving death from Adam, why should there be individual choice in receiving life from Christ?

Do we have a choice in whether or not we receive the grace of God? Or is it so universal and limitless that it applies to the whole of humanity?

Owing to God's gift of freedom of willful determination to humans, there is clearly the opportunity of individual choice in receiving anything from God, including his grace.

Well, however it is understood, that the grace of God is offered to all, cannot be diminished. The conclusion that only those who receive it will benefit by it is reasonable. It is supported by all other biblical information regarding redemption.

Still, it makes the interpreter think before he places limitations on the grace of God.

-- PDM

Home