Sermons on Romans 5:19

Romans 5:19 Interpretation:

Embracing Our Identity and Grace in Christ (Cornerstone Church TV) offers a highly distinctive and vivid interpretation of Romans 5:19 by using the geography of Israel as a living metaphor for the passage. The sermon draws a parallel between the flow of the Jordan River—from the life-filled Sea of Galilee, descending through the land, and ending in the Dead Sea (a place of death and no escape)—and the spiritual descent of humanity from Adam’s original sin to death. The preacher notes that the Hebrew name for the Jordan, "Yardin," means "to descend," reinforcing the metaphor of humanity’s fall. The crossing of the Jordan by the Israelites, with the Ark of the Covenant stopping the river’s flow at the town of Adam, is presented as a physical enactment of Romans 5:19: Adam’s disobedience brings death to all, but Christ (symbolized by the Ark) stops the flow of sin and death, offering a new lineage. The sermon also uses a live illustration with congregants to show the “line of Adam” and the “line of Christ,” making the transfer from one to the other a tangible, visual experience. The preacher further employs the analogy of a pig returning to the mud to explain the inevitability of sin in Adam’s line, and the transformation of nature in Christ’s line. This approach is unique in its integration of biblical geography, live demonstration, and metaphorical storytelling to interpret the passage.

Embracing Grace: Freedom Through Christ's Finished Work (Cornerstone Church TV) provides a novel linguistic and cultural analysis of Romans 5:19 by focusing on the Greek word "tetelestai" (it is finished) from Jesus’ last words on the cross, connecting it to the fulfillment of the law and the completion of Christ’s obedience. The sermon explains the perfect passive indicative tense of the word, emphasizing that Christ’s obedience is a completed action with ongoing results, which directly ties to the “obedience of the one man” in Romans 5:19. The preacher uses analogies from ancient culture—such as an artist declaring a painting finished, a builder completing a house, a merchant stamping a debt “paid in full,” and a priest pronouncing a sacrifice acceptable—to illustrate the completeness and sufficiency of Christ’s obedience and its effect on believers’ righteousness. This interpretation stands out for its detailed linguistic exploration and its use of first-century cultural practices to illuminate the text.

The Gospel: Historical Truth and Divine Relationship (Desiring God) interprets Romans 5:19 with a strong emphasis on the objective, historical achievement of Christ’s obedience. The sermon highlights that the “obedience of the one man” is not merely the act of dying on the cross, but the culmination of a life of perfect righteousness, climaxing in the cross. The preacher insists that this righteousness is not something believers achieve or add to, but is performed entirely by Christ and is available to be counted as theirs. The interpretation is distinguished by its insistence on the objective, external nature of Christ’s achievement, and its careful distinction between Christ’s righteousness and any human effort, both before and after conversion.

Fearless Unity in Love Through Justification by Faith (Desiring God) offers a unique interpretive angle by focusing on the practical and existential implications of Romans 5:19 for Christian humility and unity. The sermon argues that Paul’s “righteousness” is not his own (whether pre- or post-conversion), but is the perfect obedience of Christ imputed to him. The preacher draws a direct line from Romans 5:19 to the doctrine of justification by faith, emphasizing that the “righteousness from God” is not a mere verdict or status, but the actual record of Christ’s perfect behavior, counted as the believer’s own. This interpretation is notable for its detailed argument against both Roman Catholic and some Protestant reinterpretations, and for its application of the doctrine to the believer’s ability to serve others in humility.

Grace Abounds: Upholding God's Law Through Christ (SermonIndex.net) interprets Romans 5:19 as a profound demonstration of how Christ’s obedience not only provides the basis for the believer’s righteousness but also upholds and magnifies God’s honor as a lawgiver. The sermon uses the analogy of aggravated trespass—how the law increases guilt by making sin more explicit—to highlight the superabundance of grace that comes through Christ’s obedience. It uniquely frames Christ’s obedience as both the fulfillment of the law’s commanding authority (perfect, loving, and reverent obedience at every point) and its condemning authority (bearing the full penalty for lawbreaking). The preacher employs a detailed analogy about the price paid for something (e.g., a million-dollar heart vs. a $3 million baseball) to argue that the infinite value of Christ’s sacrifice honors the lawgiver, not the intrinsic worth of the sinner. This analogy is used to show that the higher the price paid (Christ’s life), the more the lawgiver (God) is honored, rather than the recipient. The sermon also draws a sharp distinction between the obedience of Christ and any human effort, emphasizing that only the obedience of “another man” (Christ) is sufficient for justification, and that this is the only hope for the lawbreaker.

Exalting God's Glory Through Justification by Faith (SermonIndex.net) offers a detailed linguistic and theological analysis of Romans 5:19, especially focusing on the meaning of “righteousness” and “obedience.” The preacher argues, with reference to the Greek, that the “obedience” of Christ in Romans 5:19 is not a single act (the cross alone) but the entirety of Christ’s life, summed up as “obedience” (citing Philippians 2:8). He insists that the “righteousness” imputed to believers is not merely a verdict or acquittal, nor is it the believer’s new Spirit-empowered obedience, but rather the perfect, lifelong obedience of Christ himself. The sermon distinguishes between “righteousness under the law” (Paul’s own blamelessness) and the “righteousness from God” (Christ’s obedience), arguing that the latter is imputed to the believer by faith. The preacher also critiques alternative interpretations (e.g., the “new perspective on Paul”) and defends the traditional Protestant doctrine of imputation, using both biblical exegesis and historical-theological argumentation.

Pursuing Holiness: Living Out Christ's Righteousness (Desiring God) interprets Romans 5:19 as the foundational text for the doctrine of imputed righteousness, emphasizing that through Christ’s obedience, believers are “appointed” or “counted” righteous. The sermon uses the language of “imputation” and “union with Christ” to explain that Christ’s obedience is credited to the believer at the moment of faith, securing God’s everlasting favor. However, it also uniquely stresses that this imputed righteousness is the foundation for imparted righteousness (sanctification), and that God is not indifferent to the believer’s practical holiness. The preacher draws a distinction between God’s delight in the believer’s status (imputed righteousness) and his delight in the believer’s lived-out holiness, arguing that both are essential and interconnected.

Understanding Righteousness: Imputed vs. Imparted (Desiring God) interprets Romans 5:19 as a key text for distinguishing between imputed and imparted righteousness. The sermon explains that “by one man’s obedience the many will be appointed righteous” refers to the imputed righteousness of Christ, which is received by faith and is the basis for justification. The preacher further clarifies that practical, lived-out righteousness (imparted) is a consequence, not the basis, of justification. While this sermon covers similar ground as the others, it does not introduce new analogies or linguistic insights beyond what is already discussed in the other sermons.

Romans 5:19 Theological Themes:

Embracing Our Identity and Grace in Christ (Cornerstone Church TV) introduces the theme of spiritual lineage and identity, teaching that every person is either “in Adam” or “in Christ,” and that the transfer from one to the other is not a matter of behavior but of nature. The sermon uniquely applies this by encouraging believers not to be angry at “Adam people” (those still in Adam), since their actions are the inevitable result of their nature, and instead to focus on helping them move into the line of Christ. The preacher also develops the theme of the Ark of the Covenant as a type of Christ, with the mercy seat covering the law, manna, and Aaron’s rod—representing all types of sin—demonstrating that Christ’s obedience and mercy cover every aspect of human rebellion.

Embracing Grace: Freedom Through Christ's Finished Work (Cornerstone Church TV) presents the theme of the finished work of Christ as the end of all religious striving and law-keeping. The sermon’s exploration of “tetelestai” as a completed, ongoing action underlines the permanence and sufficiency of Christ’s obedience for the believer’s righteousness. The preacher also introduces the idea that the law was given to increase sin, not decrease it, and that only by receiving a new nature through Christ can one truly desire and do what is right. This theme is further developed by contrasting the “have to” of religion with the “want to” of grace, emphasizing the transformation of desire that comes from being in Christ.

The Gospel: Historical Truth and Divine Relationship (Desiring God) brings out the theme of the objective, external nature of salvation: Christ’s obedience, righteousness, and achievement are entirely outside the believer and are counted as theirs by faith. The sermon also highlights the theme of substitution, with Christ absorbing God’s wrath, bearing sin, and achieving righteousness on behalf of others, and insists that this is the only basis for justification.

Fearless Unity in Love Through Justification by Faith (Desiring God) adds the theme of justification by faith as the foundation for both acceptance with God and the ability to live in humble, fearless unity with others. The preacher argues that only by receiving Christ’s righteousness as an alien, imputed righteousness can believers be freed from both pride and despair, enabling them to serve others and pursue holiness as the fruit, not the basis, of their acceptance.

Grace Abounds: Upholding God's Law Through Christ (SermonIndex.net) introduces the distinct theological theme that the infinite value of Christ’s obedience and sacrifice is not a reflection of the intrinsic worth of the sinner, but rather serves to magnify the honor and glory of God as lawgiver. The sermon argues that the higher the price paid for redemption (the life of God’s own Son), the more the lawgiver is honored, and that the gospel is designed to uphold God’s law in both its commanding and condemning authority. This theme is developed through the analogy of high prices paid for items of little intrinsic value, emphasizing that the honor goes to the one offended (God), not the offender.

Exalting God's Glory Through Justification by Faith (SermonIndex.net) presents the unique theological theme that the righteousness imputed to believers is not merely a legal status or acquittal, nor is it the believer’s own Spirit-empowered obedience, but specifically the perfect, lifelong obedience of Christ. The sermon also highlights the theme that justification by faith alone is the foundation for both full acceptance with God and for sanctification, and that any attempt to merge faith and obedience as the basis for justification undermines both the gospel and the motivation for true obedience.

Pursuing Holiness: Living Out Christ's Righteousness (Desiring God) adds a nuanced facet to the theme of justification and sanctification by arguing that God’s delight in the believer is twofold: he delights in the believer’s status as justified (imputed righteousness) and is also committed to making the believer delightful in lived-out holiness (imparted righteousness). The sermon uniquely asserts that God cannot be indifferent to the believer’s everlasting happiness, which is inseparable from everlasting holiness, and that practical holiness is only possible because of prior imputed righteousness.

Romans 5:19 Historical and Contextual Insights:

Embracing Our Identity and Grace in Christ (Cornerstone Church TV) provides extensive historical and cultural context by explaining the geography of Israel and the significance of the Jordan River, the Dead Sea, and the town of Adam. The sermon details the annual flooding of the Jordan, the construction and symbolism of the Ark of the Covenant, and the practices of the tabernacle and temple, including the role of the mercy seat and the annual Day of Atonement. The preacher also explains the ancient Israelite experience of the law, the wilderness wanderings, and the transition from Mount Sinai (law) to Mount Zion (grace), situating Romans 5:19 within the broader narrative of Israel’s history and God’s redemptive plan.

Embracing Grace: Freedom Through Christ's Finished Work (Cornerstone Church TV) offers historical insight into the use of “tetelestai” in first-century culture, explaining its application in art, construction, commerce, priestly sacrifice, and family life. The sermon also describes the annual Passover sacrifice and the function of the law in ancient Israel, providing context for the transition from law to grace.

The Gospel: Historical Truth and Divine Relationship (Desiring God) situates Romans 5:19 within the broader context of Paul’s argument in Romans and 1 Corinthians, emphasizing the historical reality of Christ’s death and resurrection as the foundation of the gospel. The preacher also references the Old Testament background of substitutionary atonement and the fulfillment of the law.

Fearless Unity in Love Through Justification by Faith (Desiring God) discusses the historical controversy over justification by faith, referencing the Reformation, the Roman Catholic doctrine of imparted righteousness, and the New Perspective on Paul. The sermon also explains the Jewish context of law-keeping and the significance of Paul’s pedigree as a Pharisee.

Grace Abounds: Upholding God's Law Through Christ (SermonIndex.net) provides historical context by explaining the function of the law from Adam to Moses, noting that before the Mosaic law, people died because of their connection to Adam’s sin, but with the giving of the law, individuals became “little Adams” with their own explicit transgressions. The sermon also references the sacrificial system under the old covenant, emphasizing the countless animal sacrifices and their inability to satisfy God’s honor, thus setting the stage for the necessity of Christ’s infinitely valuable sacrifice.

Exalting God's Glory Through Justification by Faith (SermonIndex.net) offers historical insights into the controversies surrounding the doctrine of justification by faith, referencing the Reformation, the Roman Catholic-Protestant divide, and the development of the “new perspective on Paul.” The preacher discusses how the doctrine of imputation has been attacked and misunderstood throughout church history, citing specific historical figures and movements (e.g., Luther, Calvin, Roman Catholicism, John Owen, N.T. Wright, and the New Perspective). The sermon also situates the doctrine of justification at the center of major historical revivals and awakenings, such as the Reformation and the Great Awakening, and references the impact of this doctrine on figures like Wilberforce and Jonathan Edwards.

Romans 5:19 Cross-References in the Bible:

Embracing Our Identity and Grace in Christ (Cornerstone Church TV) references 1 Corinthians 15:21-22, 45-47 to support the distinction between the first Adam and the last Adam, and John 1 (especially verses 12-13) to explain the new birth and transfer from Adam’s line to Christ’s. The sermon also draws on Hebrews 9 regarding the contents of the Ark and the mercy seat, Exodus for the Passover and wilderness wanderings, and Galatians for the futility of returning to the law. These passages are used to reinforce the idea that spiritual lineage, not behavior, determines one’s standing before God, and that Christ’s obedience inaugurates a new creation.

Embracing Grace: Freedom Through Christ's Finished Work (Cornerstone Church TV) cross-references John 19 (the crucifixion and “tetelestai”), Romans 10:4 (Christ as the end of the law), Galatians 3:21-25 (the law as a guardian), Romans 6:23 (the wages of sin is death), 1 Corinthians 15:57 (victory through Christ), Romans 8:1-2 (no condemnation in Christ), and John 1:17 (law through Moses, grace and truth through Jesus). These references are used to demonstrate the completeness of Christ’s work, the end of the law, and the transformation of the believer’s nature.

The Gospel: Historical Truth and Divine Relationship (Desiring God) references 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 (the gospel as historical event), Galatians 3:13 (Christ becoming a curse), 1 Peter 2:24 (Christ bearing our sins), Isaiah 53 (the suffering servant), Romans 5:19 (obedience of the one man), and Romans 3:10 (none righteous). These passages are used to establish the objective achievements of Christ’s obedience and their imputation to believers.

Fearless Unity in Love Through Justification by Faith (Desiring God) references Philippians 3 (Paul’s pedigree and rejection of his own righteousness), Leviticus 18:5 (the law and life), Romans 10:5 and Galatians 3:12 (law and righteousness), Philippians 2:8 (Christ’s obedience), Romans 5:19 (obedience of the one man), and 1 Corinthians 5 (the unleavened bread as a metaphor for sanctification). These references are used to argue for the imputation of Christ’s obedience and the distinction between justification and sanctification.

Grace Abounds: Upholding God's Law Through Christ (SermonIndex.net) references several passages to support and expand on Romans 5:19: Romans 3:31 (“Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law.”) is used to argue that faith in Christ upholds the law’s authority. Philippians 2:8 (“he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross”) is cited to show the extent of Christ’s obedience. Romans 4 is referenced to highlight justification of the ungodly. James is mentioned to explain the seriousness of breaking the law at one point. The sermon also alludes to various Old Testament accounts (e.g., Uzzah, Ananias and Sapphira, Nadab and Abihu, David’s census) to illustrate God’s seriousness about his honor as lawgiver. Psalm 22 is referenced to describe the suffering of Christ. The preacher also references the “end of the law for righteousness” (Romans 10:4) and the requirement to love God with all one’s heart, soul, mind, and strength (Deuteronomy 6:5; Matthew 22:37).

Exalting God's Glory Through Justification by Faith (SermonIndex.net) cross-references several passages: Philippians 2:8 is used to define Christ’s “obedience” as his entire life, not just the cross. Leviticus 18:5 (“the one who does them will live by them”) is cited to explain the principle of law-keeping. Romans 10:5 and Galatians 3:12 are referenced to reinforce the standard of perfect obedience. Romans 4:6, Philippians 3:8-9, and 1 Corinthians 5 are used to support the doctrine of imputed righteousness and union with Christ. Hebrews is referenced regarding the inadequacy of animal sacrifices. The sermon also mentions Romans 8:1 (“no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”) and 2 Peter 1:10 (confirming one’s calling and election through practical righteousness).

Pursuing Holiness: Living Out Christ's Righteousness (Desiring God) references a wide array of passages to support the relationship between justification and sanctification: 2 Corinthians 5:21, Philippians 3:9, Romans 4:5, Colossians 1:10, 1 Thessalonians 4:1, 2 Corinthians 5:9, Colossians 2:20, 1 Timothy 2:3, 1 Timothy 5:4, Ephesians 4:30, 1 Thessalonians 5:19, Hebrews 12:11, and Proverbs 3:12. Each passage is used to illustrate either the imputation of Christ’s righteousness, the call to practical holiness, or the reality that believers can please or displease God in their daily lives.

Understanding Righteousness: Imputed vs. Imparted (Desiring God) references Romans 3:28, Romans 5:1, Romans 4:6, Philippians 3:8-9, Titus 3:5, Romans 6:13, Philippians 3:12, Hebrews 11:6, and 2 Peter 1:10. These passages are used to distinguish between imputed and imparted righteousness, to show the basis of justification, and to explain the role of faith and works in the Christian life.

Romans 5:19 Christian References outside the Bible:

Fearless Unity in Love Through Justification by Faith (Desiring God) explicitly references several Christian scholars and theologians in its discussion of justification by faith and Romans 5:19. The preacher mentions John Owen’s historical work on justification, Robert Gundry’s denial of imputation, and the New Perspective on Paul as articulated by N.T. Wright, E.P. Sanders, and James Dunn. The sermon also references the Reformation (Luther, Calvin, Zwingli), William Wilberforce’s application of justification by faith, and Jonathan Edwards, Wesley, and Whitefield’s emphasis on the doctrine in the Great Awakening. The preacher critiques the Roman Catholic doctrine of imparted righteousness and defends the Protestant doctrine of imputed righteousness, citing his own book “Counted Righteous in Christ” and “The Future of Justification” as responses to contemporary challenges.

Exalting God's Glory Through Justification by Faith (SermonIndex.net) explicitly references several non-biblical Christian sources in its discussion of Romans 5:19 and justification: John Owen is cited for his historical analysis of the doctrine of justification and its many subterfuges throughout church history. The preacher critiques Robert Gundry, a New Testament scholar, for denying the doctrine of imputation in the New Testament, and responds by referencing his own book, “Counted Righteous in Christ.” The “new perspective on Paul” is discussed, with N.T. Wright, E.P. Sanders, and James Dunn named as key proponents; the preacher critiques their views and references his own book, “The Future of Justification,” as a response. The sermon also references the impact of justification by faith on historical figures such as Luther, Calvin, Zwingli, Wilberforce (noting his book “The Christian Life”), Jonathan Edwards, Wesley, and Whitefield, highlighting their roles in major revivals and the centrality of justification by faith in their ministries.

Romans 5:19 Illustrations from Secular Sources:

Embracing Our Identity and Grace in Christ (Cornerstone Church TV) uses several detailed secular analogies to illustrate Romans 5:19. The preacher describes the process of dressing up a pig for a photo shoot—washing it, putting lipstick and sunglasses on it, and taking pictures for social media—only for the pig to immediately return to the mud once released. This vivid image is used to explain that no amount of external improvement can change the nature inherited from Adam; only a new nature in Christ can produce true transformation. The sermon also references the experience of chemical spills in rivers, where pollution at one point affects the entire downstream flow, as an analogy for how Adam’s sin affects all humanity. Additionally, the preacher uses the example of babies born to drug-addicted mothers, who inherit the consequences of their parents’ actions, to illustrate the concept of inherited sin.

Embracing Grace: Freedom Through Christ's Finished Work (Cornerstone Church TV) employs several first-century cultural analogies to explain the meaning of “tetelestai.” The preacher describes an artist declaring a painting finished, a builder completing a house, a merchant stamping a debt “paid in full,” a priest pronouncing a sacrifice acceptable, and a son reporting to his father that a task is complete. These analogies are used to convey the completeness and sufficiency of Christ’s obedience and its ongoing effect for believers. The sermon also references the modern experience of receiving a speeding ticket to illustrate the function of the law in revealing sin, and the futility of trying to earn acceptance through rule-keeping.

Grace Abounds: Upholding God's Law Through Christ (SermonIndex.net) uses a detailed analogy from the world of collectibles and economics to illustrate the value of Christ’s sacrifice in relation to Romans 5:19. The preacher describes how people pay exorbitant prices for items like a $3 million baseball (Mark McGwire’s 70th home run ball) or $115,000 for a lock of Elvis Presley’s hair, not because of the intrinsic value of the item, but because of the value attached to the person associated with it. This analogy is used to argue that the infinite price paid for redemption (the life of Christ) is not a reflection of the intrinsic worth of the sinner, but rather serves to magnify the honor of the one offended (God as lawgiver). The higher the price, the more the lawgiver is honored, not the recipient, and this is contrasted with the idea of paying a high price for something of great intrinsic value (e.g., a million-dollar heart or house). This secular illustration is used to help the audience grasp the theological point that the value of Christ’s obedience and sacrifice upholds God’s honor and the seriousness of the law, rather than exalting the worth of the sinner.