Audio commentary on this verse

Note 1 at Rom. 5:15: Paul proceeds to make a series of comparisons about imputed righteousness through Christ being like imputed sin (see note 9 at Rom. 5:21, p. 775) through Adam. Five times Paul makes this comparison so that there should be no doubt that in the same way that all became sinners through Adam (see note 6 at v. 19, below), all who put faith in Christ are made righteousness through Him.

The religious world has basically accepted this truth of inherited sin from Adam, but this truth of inherited righteousness through the new birth is still a mystery to many. Yet, Paul is saying that if one is true, then so is the other. These truths are like two sides to one coin. If you accept one truth, you have to accept the other.

Note 2 at Rom. 5:15: These are five comparisons (vv. 15-19) but they are opposite comparisons. Adam's sin brought things from good to bad, but Jesus brought things from bad to good. The results are opposite extremes but the principle involved in both are the same. In the same way that Adam was able to pass sin (see note 9 at Rom. 5:21, p. 775) and its consequences on to his descendants, so Jesus is able to pass righteousness and all its benefits on to those who put faith in Him.

Note 3 at Rom. 5:15: The gift by grace spoken of here and in verses 16 and 18 is clearly stated in verse 17. It is the gift of righteousness.