Romans 5:12-21
For a believer who is converted on his death-bed, the epistle could end with v. 11. The question of his sins has been settled; he is fit for the glory of God. But for the believer who continues to live on the earth, a troublesome problem now rears its head: he has within him still the old nature, "sin", which is only able to produce corrupt fruit. Does he then risk losing his salvation? What follows, from 5:12 – ch. 8, teaches us how God has made provision for it: He has judged not only my deeds, but also the evil nature which produced them, the "old man" (Romans 6:6), who is just like his ancestor Adam. Let us suppose that a printer, not a very conscientious one, in setting up the type for a book, let slip through some serious errors which completely changed the thoughts of the author. These errors will be reproduced in the printing as many times as there are books published. The most beautiful binding will make no difference whatever. To have a faithful text, the writer will have to proceed with a new edition with a new setting up of the type. The first Adam is like this bad type-set – so many men, just so many sinners! But God has not sought to improve Adam’s race. He has raised from the dead a new Man, Christ, and has given us His life.