How does Christ's righteousness bring justification to all people in contrast to Adam's fall?
Adam’s one offense brought judgment and condemnation upon all men. By contrast, the righteousness of one—Christ—brings the free gift upon all men unto justification. His work of the cross paid sin’s total price, enabling God to be just while justifying those who believe.
Les teaches that Paul constantly brings the two into play: as Adam caused us to fall, Christ has made it possible to lift us up. Romans 5:18 contrasts Adam’s offense, which brought condemnation upon all men, with the righteousness of one, by which the free gift came upon all men unto justification. Les stresses that salvation cannot be by anything man can do; it was all accomplished by Christ’s work of the cross. God is just in being the justifier of those who believe, not cutting corners or winking at man’s sin, because He has paid the total price. Ephesians 2 confirms this by describing believers as having been dead in trespasses and sins because of Adam, yet made alive in Christ.
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.