September 12 | Bible in a Year: Proverbs 13–15; 2 Corinthians 5

A Great Act of Love

Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people. Romans 5:18

READ Romans 5:12–19

In Oregon’s Malheur National Forest, a fungus popularly known as the honey mushroom spreads through tree roots across 2,200 acres, making it the largest living organism ever found. It’s been “weaving its black shoestring filaments” through the forest for more than two millennia, killing trees as it grows. Its shoestring filaments, called “rhizomorphs,” tunnel as deep as ten feet into the soil. And although the organism is incredibly large, it began with a single microscopic spore!

The Bible tells us of a single act of disobedience that caused widespread condemnation and a single act of obedience that reversed it. The apostle Paul contrasted two individuals—Adam and Jesus (Romans 5:14–15). Adam’s sin brought condemnation and death “to all people” (v. 12). Through one act of disobedience, all people were made sinners and stood condemned before God (v. 17). But He had a means of dealing with humanity’s sin problem. Through the righteous act of Jesus on the cross, God provides eternal life and a right standing before Him. Christ’s act of love and obedience was powerful enough to overcome Adam’s one act of disobedience—providing “life for all people” (v. 18).

Through His death on the cross, Jesus offers eternal life to anyone who puts their faith in Him. If you haven’t received His forgiveness and salvation, may you do so today. If you’re already a believer, praise Him for what He’s done by His great act of love!

By Marvin Williams

What do the single acts of Adam and Jesus tell you about the impact of sin? How does Jesus’ sacrifice ignite or renew your desire to live a life that honors Him?  

God, thank You for providing salvation and eternal life through Jesus! Help me to reveal Your saving way to others.

SCRIPTURE INSIGHT

In Romans 5:14, Adam is referred to as a “pattern of the one to come” (a reference to Jesus). The Greek word translated “pattern” is the word týpos, from which we get the English words “type” and “typology.” Biblically speaking, persons, figures, or systems designated as “types” have historical significance, but they also point to other persons or things. Here Adam is viewed as representative of all humanity and points to Jesus, who is representative of “new humanity”—those made new by faith in Him. Just as Adam’s sin transferred to all, Christ’s righteousness is credited to all who believe in Him.