How does Christ's righteousness bring the free gift of justification to all people?
Through the righteousness of one—Christ—the free gift came upon all men unto justification, just as Adam's one offense brought condemnation to all. This justification is not by anything man can do; it is accomplished by Christ's work of the cross, and God remains just as the justifier.
Les teaches that in Romans 5:18 Paul uses “therefore” to point back to the contrast between Adam and Christ. Adam's one offense brought judgment and condemnation upon all men, but by the righteousness of one—Christ—the free gift came upon all men unto justification. As Adam caused us to fall, Christ has made it possible to lift us up. Les stresses that salvation can be by nothing man can do; it was all accomplished by Christ's work of the cross. God is just, not cutting corners or winking at man's sin, but has paid the total price, so He can be just in justifying. Paul repeats this heavily because God wants us to get it straight. In Ephesians 2, Paul reminds believers that they were quickened, made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins because of Adam.
Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.
More Questions
How can God be just and still justify sinners?
God can be just in justifying the ungodly because He has paid the total price for sin and is not winking at any sin.