Romans 5:17 – Reigning in Life! 

For if, by the offense of the one, death reigns through the one, much rather, those obtaining the superabundance of grace and the gratuity of righteousness shall be reigning in life through the One, Jesus Christ.

Paul accumulates contrasts one after another, between Adam and Christ. Offense versus righteousness, reigning versus reigning, and death versus life. In and through Adam’s offense death reigns. After all, all people are subject to death. But grace is “much more” and that is why it is also called “the superabundance of grace”. It is not only that death had to give way to life, but it also changes the position of those who receive this grace.

At first one was controlled by death. But those who “receive the gratuity of righteousness” shall be reigning in life! That is because of the kind of life that is in view here. It’s resurrection life. Life that has death behind it. Whoever is placed in such a Life (indeed, with a capital!) Is not controlled but is himself king. For whoever has received that Life has himself become imperishable and righteous! That is no different than a gift from God! 

Delen: