The consequences of Christ's obedience or act of righteousness is justification that brings life for all people. Many will be made righteous.
The one is the consequence coming to all. The latter is the choice taken by some. Again, we need to recognise the free gift of God's abundant grace.
The four 'reigns' in this passage (5:12-21) are:
Death reigned (5:14)
Reigning in life through Jesus of those who receive God's abundant provision of grace (5:17)
Sin reigned in death (5:21)
Grace reigned through righteousness (5:21)
Two operate for all people, but the other two are there available as a free gift to those who would choose them.
We are dead to sin & alive to Christ. We are united with Jesus Christ.
Enjoy & express this position in Christ so as to have a life of victory over sin -
Count yourselves dead to sin (v11)
Count yourselves alive to God in Christ Jesus (v11)
Do not let sin reign in your mortal body by obeying its evil desires
Do not offer the parts of your body to sin
Rather, offer yourselves to God
Offer the parts of your body to Him as instruments of righteousness!
6:15-23 2 masters are contrasted:
Sin & God
Sin leads you to death
Obedience leads you to righteousness which leads you to holiness, which ultimately leads you to eternal life.
Obviously, therefore, we should not continue to sin in any way shape or form!
We have died to the law through Jesus' death on the cross. Our new husband is Christ - we are united with Him now and so the fruit of this new union is righteousness and living by the Spirit.
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