Q&A Home > R > Holy Book of Romans

What is meant by Romans 5:15-18?

In these passages, St. Paul begins by drawing a comparison between our father Adam and our Lord Jesus Christ. By one man—Adam, all humanity was counted guilty and condemned. Likewise, by one Man—Jesus Christ, all humanity was given grace and hope for eternal life. Grace was acquired freely on the part of humanity. We did not pay the price. Our death sentenced was lifted by the grace of God through His Son Jesus Christ who accepted to redeem us and paid the ultimate price of death for us; and we, the captives, were freed from Satan's clutches. God's righteousness is from everlasting to everlasting because He is an eternal God. Thus, in the righteousness of our Lord Jesus Christ, the incarnated Son of God, all humanity throughout time was given His divine saving grace. The Law could not save us. It is by grace that we now have liberty. This does not mean that all are saved, but that all have the same opportunity now to accept and live in God's grace and righteousness. Accepting God's grace is a choice. Thus, we are called to live a life of righteousness through Christ Jesus. By the grace of God, all are called to live a life of repentance; by the grace of God, all can unite with Christ by partaking of the holy sacraments; by the grace of God, all can perform acts of mercy; and by the grace of God, all can draw closer to Him and enjoy His grace unto eternal glory.

See Orthodox Christian Bible Commentary—Romans located at  http://www.stmosesbookstore.org