From Verse 12 we look at sin, the root, of which sins are the fruit. The sins are forgiven; the sin in us is condemned. “By one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.”
Adam was the head of a fallen race; Christ became the head of a redeemed race. Adam’s one act of sin brought ruin on his race; Christ’s one obedience brought blessing on all that are His. Death was the result of Adam’s sin; Eternal life is the fruit of Christ’s death.
Verses 13-17 is a parenthesis. “Until the law, sin was in the world: but sin it not imputed where there is no law.” The law made sin transgression, and charges specific acts on the person, but sin and death are plainly seen from Adam to Moses, even where there was no law to sin against—no transgression.
Verse 15, But if the offense brought death, the grace of God in Christ, brings life. “If through the offense of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.” The judgment was of one to condemnation, but the act of favor, or grace, called “the free gift,” is of many offenses to justification. If by the offense of one, death reigned by one, much more they which receive abundance of grace, and of the gift of righteousness, shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.
Verse 18 connects with Verse 12. So then as it was by one offense towards all men to condemnation, so by one righteousness towards all men for justification of life. All connected with Adam were involved in his ruined condition; and all connected with Christ, constituted those associated with Him, righteous, and puts them in that state and condition before God.
Verse 20. Then the law entered, that the offense might abound, and so show out the exceeding sinfulness of sin; but where sin abounded, there grace did much more abound; that as sin has reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Grace reigns. God’s righteousness without Christ’s death, would have condemned us, but Jesus Christ, our Lord, has died and risen again, and we have died with Him. We are made the righteousness of God in Him. We believe on Him, and share His victory. We shall reign in life by Him.