Romans 5:12–13

Romans 5:12 – “Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned—”

Romans 5:13 – “For sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law.”

 

Introduction

In this post, we will answer how sin entered the world and what its effects are. We will also discuss what God did to overcome and ultimately defeat sin and its consequences.

 

I. How Did Sin Enter the World?

Sin entered the world when the serpent tempted the first woman, Eve, and eventually the first man, Adam, gave in.

In the beginning, God gave a specific command—not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:17). Despite this clear instruction and God’s warning that they would surely die (Genesis 3:3), the first humans violated His command.

Satan deceived Eve by telling her that they would become like God if they ate from the tree (Genesis 3:5). Eve then gave the fruit to her husband, Adam, and Adam, without asking any questions, ate it as well.

When God confronted them, neither took responsibility. Adam blamed Eve, and Eve blamed the serpent. But the truth is, they were both accountable for their actions.

This is the reality: before the Law was given to Moses, sin had already entered the world. Why? Because one man—Adam, the first human—disobeyed God’s command not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

 

II. What Is the Effect of This First Sin?

It is clear that Adam was the first man to disobey the holy instruction of God. As a result, sin entered the world and was inherited by every human being.

Yes, my friend, we all inherited sin from Adam—even while we were still in our mother’s womb (Psalm 51:5; 58:3).

God said that if they ate from the tree, they would surely die. And this is true. The reason we all face death is because of sin.

Because one man—Adam—sinned, every human born into this world has inherited that sinful nature. And since God is faithful to His word, everyone who sins will die (Romans 5:12–13; Romans 6:23).

The next question is: If we are all going to die and face judgment, is there any hope of salvation?

The answer is yes, and that hope comes from God Himself—through Jesus Christ.

 

III. What Did God Do for Us to Have Life?

John 1:4 says, “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.”

This verse refers to the Word, who was with God and who was God (John 1:1). The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory as of the only Son from the Father (John 1:14).

This Word is Jesus Christ.

If Adam, the first man, brought sin and death into the world, Jesus is the second Adam—the One who lived a life of perfect righteousness and fulfilled the Law without fault (Matthew 5:17).

Although He was beaten, reviled, persecuted, threatened, and eventually killed, He committed no sin (1 Peter 2:22–23).

Here is the good news:

The penalty of sin, which is death, was fully paid by the blood of Jesus Christ on the cross.

He confirmed His victory over sin and death when He rose from the dead (1 Peter 1:19).

 

Conclusion

My friend, no matter how many good works or good deeds you do, they cannot save you.

All of our righteousness is like filthy rags in the sight of God (Isaiah 64:6).

Your acts of charity, donations, visits to the poor or sick, and participation in clean-up drives—though admirable—cannot give you eternal life (Ephesians 2:8–9; Titus 3:5).

Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

Repent now, and put your faith in Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.

When you do, you will be:

• Forgiven

• Saved from the power and penalty of sin

• Transformed into a new creation

• And given the gift of eternal life