When we reflect on Romans 3, we are reminded of Adam and Eve, who succumbed to the influence of the serpent, the most cunning of all creatures God created in the garden. At a pivotal moment, the serpent questioned Eve:
Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’? (Genesis 3:1)
Eve, aware of God’s command, responded:
We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said: ‘You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.’ (Genesis 3:2-3)
However, the serpent lured Eve into disobedience, claiming they would not die, but their eyes would be opened, becoming like God, knowing good and evil. The disobedience of Adam and Eve led to their expulsion from the garden, and as a result, all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory.
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23)
The Fall and Its Consequences
Eve saw that the tree was pleasing to the eyes and its fruit appeared delightful. Driven by a desire for wisdom, she took the fruit, ate it, and, disregarding God’s command, gave some to Adam. In that moment, their eyes were opened, and they realized they were naked, sewing fig leaves together to cover themselves.
Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned. (Romans 5:12)
Before the law was given, all sinned, but since the law did not yet exist, their sins were not imputed. From Adam to Moses, death reigned over all, even over those who did not disobey an explicit command, as Adam did.
Adam and Christ: A Contrast of Outcomes
Adam is a type of the One who was to come, Jesus Christ. Yet, there—“is a profound difference between Adam’s sin and God’s gift. The sin of one man brought death to many, but God’s grace, manifested through Jesus Christ, brought life to countless others.
While Adam’s sin led to condemnation, God’s gift declares us righteous despite our many sins. Adam’s disobedience introduced sin, allowing death to reign. In contrast, Christ’s obedience brought grace and righteousness, enabling those who receive it to reign in life.
For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:17)
A single sin of Adam brought condemnation to all, but a single act of righteousness by Christ removed guilt and brought life. Through Adam’s disobedience, many became sinners; through Christ’s obedience, many are declared righteous.
The Law, Sin, and Grace
The law was introduced to reveal the gravity of sin. Yet, where sin increased, God’s grace abounded even more.
But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more. (Romans 5:20)
Just as sin reigned, bringing death, now grace reigns, declaring us righteous before God and leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Hope in Confession and Forgiveness
We are imperfect sinners striving to improve each day. When we fail, acknowledge our mistakes, confess, and turn away from sin, God, in His infinite mercy, cleanses us.
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
The cost of Adam and Eve’s disobedience in the garden separated us from God’s glory, but the obedience of Jesus Christ and His boundless love restore us as children and heirs of the Kingdom.
