DATE POSTED: Saturday, September 18, 2026, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa Apartment Homes, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. Please visit NuggetsFromGodsWord.org to find and read all episodes shared over the years.

SCRIPTURE: Romans 5:15-17 (NLT) – ¹⁵ But there is a great difference between Adam’s sin and God’s gracious gift. For the sin of this one man, Adam, brought death to many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of forgiveness to many through this other man, Jesus Christ. ¹⁶ And the result of God’s gracious gift is very different from the result of that one man’s sin. For Adam’s sin led to condemnation, but God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God, even though we are guilty of many sins. ¹⁷ For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ.

DEVOTIONAL: In the preceding verses, Paul began introducing a remarkable contrast between Adam and Jesus Christ. In today’s passage, he expands upon that comparison and reveals a glorious truth: while Adam’s sin brought death and condemnation, God’s grace through Jesus Christ brings forgiveness, righteousness, and eternal life.

Throughout Scripture, we find several meaningful comparisons between Adam and Christ. Notice how the tragedy that entered the world through the first Adam is completely overcome by the victory secured through Jesus:

Adam	Jesus
First man, formed from the dust (Gen 2:7)	The Lord from heaven; the Last Adam (1 Cor 15:45, 47)
First to sin, bringing death to the world (Rom 5:12)	Dealt decisively with sin, bringing life (Rom 5:18–19, 1 Cor 15:22)
Disobedience brought condemnation (Romans 5:18)	Perfect obedience brings justification (Rom 5:18)
Sin separated humanity from God (Genesis 3:23-24)	Reconciles believers directly to God (2 Cor 5:18)
In Adam all die (1 Corinthians 15:22)	In Christ all shall be made alive (1 Corinthians 15:22)

Paul’s goal was not simply to compare two men. His purpose was to show the overwhelming superiority of God’s grace through Jesus Christ. Adam’s sin affected every person born into this world, bringing condemnation and death. Yet Christ’s work is far greater. Through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, He offers forgiveness for sins, righteousness before God, and the promise of eternal life to all who place their faith in Him.

What wonderful encouragement this provides for believers today! While Adam reminds us of humanity’s fall, Jesus reminds us of God’s redemption. Through Adam came death, but through Christ comes life. Through Adam came separation from God, but through Christ comes reconciliation. Through Adam came condemnation, but through Christ comes justification.

We serve an awesome God who not only created us but also provided the way of redemption through His Son. Because of Jesus, believers have more than hope for tomorrow; they have purpose, joy, and victory to experience today. Sin and death do not have the final word. Jesus does.

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TODAY’S CHALLENGE: Share that joy of knowing what tomorrow holds in store for you. If you chose to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, then you are assured of taking part in that glorious resurrection on the day God calls us home. Share with them the hope you have found in Jesus Christ. Let them know that because of God’s wonderful grace, forgiveness, peace with God, and eternal life are available to all who trust in His Son.


PRAYER:Heavenly Father, thank You for Your wonderful grace displayed through Your Son, Jesus Christ. We acknowledge that through Adam sin entered the world and death followed, but we rejoice that through Jesus we have forgiveness, righteousness, and eternal life. Thank You that Your grace is greater than our sin and that Your gift of salvation is available to all who believe. Help us to live each day in the victory Christ has secured for us and to boldly share this hope with those around us. May our lives point others to the Savior who conquered sin and death once and for all. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.

FOOTNOTE
If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please take advantage of the information provided on my page ‘To Know Jesus’. Alternatively, consider speaking with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. I pray that one of God’s servants will pray with you and offer help and encouragement as you begin, or continue, your walk with Jesus. For my earlier devotionals, please visit NuggetsFromGodsWord.org, or if you choose, subscribe to receive a daily email containing each new devotional. Friends, I encourage you to find a Bible teaching church home near your residence and attend as frequently as possible. Get to know God and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian walk while you invite God to work through you to bless them. God is at work among His people! Please consider being a part of that while also growing in your faith as you worship with fellow believers!