Reigning in Life Through Christ: A Study on Romans 5:12-17 AND ITS APPLICATION

BACKGROUND

The letter to the Romans is considered to be among the chief pillars of the New Testament because it contains the purest gospel. It was written at a turning point of Apostle Pauls ministry as his last will and testament (Dowle 112). The keyword for Romans is Righteousness, and this righteousness is the power that God exercises, which is his saving power (Kenyon 41, Quarles 1378). 

The central theme of the book as concerns chapter 5 where we took our text is believers union with Christ (McCain 194). This therefore portrays the main purpose of the book which is to let Christians in Rome and believers everywhere know that only Christ brings a guarantee of salvation as he came to meet the need of the world caused by the sin of Adam. Thus, the book contains Pauls understanding of the Christian faith and its practical implications for the lives of Christians (Dowley, ed. 113). 

Prior to chapter 5, Paul built airtight case for the lostness of humanity and the necessity for Gods intervention (Romans 1: 18  3:20). Then Paul presented the Good News: Salvation is available to all, regardless of persons identity, sin, or heritage. We are saved by grace through faith in Christ and through him we can stand justified, not guilty, and as such reign in this life (Life Application Study Bible 1763). In chapter 5, Paul explains the real problem with human beings and the reason humanity does the detestable things and completely missed Gods plan for humanity which is reigning in life (Kasali 1375).  

This reigning in life was distorted and put to halt by the original sin committed by Adam but was resuscitated by Christ through his redemptive death on the cross of calvary. It is this reigning in life which is only possible through Christ, that would form the basis of this message as we explore from our New Testament text, Romans 5:12-21, and unveil the lessons it has for us today using the following: