Romans 5:15-21

Living Bible

¹⁵ And what a difference between man’s sin and God’s forgiveness!

For this one man, Adam, brought death to many through his sin. But this one man, Jesus Christ, brought forgiveness to many through God’s mercy. ¹⁶ Adam’s one sin brought the penalty of death to many, while Christ freely takes away many sins and gives glorious life instead. ¹⁷ The sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to be king over all, but all who will take God’s gift of forgiveness and acquittal are kings of life^[a] because of this one man, Jesus Christ. ¹⁸ Yes, Adam’s sin brought punishment to all, but Christ’s righteousness makes men right with God, so that they can live. ¹⁹ Adam caused many to be sinners because he disobeyed God, and Christ caused many to be made acceptable to God because he obeyed.

²⁰ The Ten Commandments were given so that all could see the extent of their failure to obey God’s laws. But the more we see our sinfulness, the more we see God’s abounding grace forgiving us. ²¹ Before, sin ruled over all men and brought them to death, but now God’s kindness rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.