Adam's Sin and Christ's Righteousness: The Great Exchange

Romans 5:18 presents the mediatorial system—Christianity's distinguishing glory as the religion of facts. These are few, extraordinary, and universal in scope.

The passage contrasts two historical realities. First, the dark melancholy facts: Sin entered the world and quenched its lights, destroyed its liberties, embittered its enjoyments. Death has reigned from Adam to this day—every sepulchre, funeral, and failing pulse reminds us that dust is our home. Both sin and death entered through one man, Adam. Elohim made Adam the father and priest of the world, yet Adam ruined it and himself. We, his children, sin and die.

Yet bright and animating facts follow. Grace abounds—Elohim was under no obligation to show or continue grace to this world, yet grace alone keeps humanity from becoming the victim of its own transgression. A higher, nobler life exists: "Grace reigns through righteousness unto eternal life." This eternal life means freedom from sin, which destroys innocence and happiness; freedom from the penalties of violated law; and freedom from annihilation—existence without sin, misery, or end.

The contrast is absolute. One man's disobedience brought condemnation upon all; one Man's obedience brings justification and life to all who believe. Adam's offense originated in the flesh; Christ's righteousness originates in the Spirit. The mediatorial system proves that Yahweh's grace exceeds Adam's transgression infinitely.