“For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ.”
Romans 5:17 (NLT)
Paul’s comparing the trespass of Adam with the free gift of Jesus. Sin entered the world through Adam, and death spread among all men because we’ve all sinned. The judgment that followed Adam’s transgression brought condemnation. But the free gift of Jesus Christ that followed numerous trespasses of men brought justification to us. Where death spread, grace abounded even more.
We reign in life through the grace and righteousness that Jesus bought for us. We get to live and triumph over sin and death through our relationship with Jesus. Remember what the closing verses of 1 Corinthians 15 say: Overwhelming victory is ours through Jesus Christ. He has conquered sin and death.
Adam opened the door and let Satan in, which enabled him to spread death. But Jesus Christ has opened the door to bring us life, and life abundantly. Jesus is the door. He’s the way to the Father. Our restoration to the Father through the one man, Jesus Christ, allows us to reign in this life. Like John 10:10 and Romans 5:17 say, we get to reign through God’s grace, through God’s righteousness, all by simply believing in Jesus, trusting God, and walking in faith.
Today, we must determine: Who’s knocking at our door? Like Adam, we can choose to let Satan in, who comes to steal, kill, and destroy. Or we can be like Jesus, who chose to obey God and opened the door for God to work through Him. Opening the door to God will bring hope, peace, strength, provision, joy, mercy, love, and faithfulness. This certainly sounds like an abundant life and it is available today through one man, Jesus Christ.