Romans 5

Romans 5 is the fifth of the sixteen chapters of Romans. Romans 4 explained justification (God's declaring sinners righteous) on the basis of Abraham's being counted righteous by faith. Chapter 5 turns to what those who have been justified in this way enjoy.

Structure

• Verses 1–5: Those who have been justified by faith have peace with God and have access into grace. Tribulation works patience, patience works experience, and experience works hope. Because the love of God has been shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, this hope "maketh not ashamed."
• Verses 6–11: Christ died for us while we were weak, sinners, and enemies. In this God commends His love. Those who have been justified by Christ's blood and reconciled to God will be saved from wrath.
• Verses 12–14: By one man sin entered the world, and by sin death passed upon all people. Death reigned from Adam to Moses, even before the law was given. Paul calls Adam "the figure of him that was to come."
• Verses 15–19: Adam's offense is contrasted with Christ's gift. Just as condemnation came through one man's disobedience, so through one man's obedience many are made righteous and come to life.
• Verses 20–21: The law entered, and the offense abounded, but where sin abounded, grace abounded much more. Grace reigns through righteousness, bringing people to eternal life.

Key Verses

• Romans 5:1, "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God," summarizes the result of justification in a single sentence.
• Romans 5:8, "while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us," is a representative verse linking God's love to the cross.
• Romans 5:12, "by one man sin entered into the world," serves as the starting point for doctrinal discussion of human sin and death.

People and Places

• Adam: The first man. Sin and death are described as having entered the world through his offense.
• Moses: The one who received the law. Here his name marks the point at which the law was given.
• Jesus Christ: The "one man" contrasted with Adam, who brings life through His obedience and one act of righteousness.
• No specific places are mentioned.

Points for Reflection

• Manuscript variation in verse 1: Manuscripts differ between "let us have" (hortatory) and "we have" (indicative) peace, so translations render the verse differently.
• Verse 12 and original sin: Interpretation varies according to how one reads "for that all have sinned." Since Augustine, the Western church has read the verse as a basis for the doctrine of original sin, holding that Adam's sin affects all humanity. The Reformed tradition regards Adam as the covenant representative of humanity and explains that his sin was imputed (credited) to his descendants. The Wesleyan tradition, including Methodism, also affirms original sin while emphasizing prevenient grace. The Eastern Orthodox Church tends to regard what was inherited from Adam as death and corruption rather than guilt.
• "All men" in verse 18: The original text reads "all men," though some translations render it "many." Most denominations read it as limited to those who are in Christ, whereas some who advocate universal salvation cite this verse in support.
• The contrast between Adam and Christ: This contrast parallels 1 Corinthians 15:20–22. The phrase "grace did much more abound" in verse 20 leads into the question at the opening of Romans 6: "Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?"

In the Korean Church

Verse 8 is quoted in evangelistic booklets such as the Four Spiritual Laws of Korea Campus Crusade for Christ and is widely used in evangelism. Verses 3–4 are frequently cited in sermons on tribulation and perseverance and in offering comfort.