Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones on Romans 5:16-17: Questions and Answers

What is the main contrast Paul establishes in Romans 5:16-17 according to Lloyd-Jones?

According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, Paul establishes a striking contrast between what happened to us in Adam and what happens to us in Christ. In verse 16, "Not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift," Paul is showing that while there are similarities (we were all in Adam, and believers are all in Christ), the great contrast is that Christ's work is vastly superior. The phrase "much more" highlights this superiority, showing that what we gain in Christ far exceeds what we lost in Adam.

How does Lloyd-Jones explain the progression from Adam's sin to death?

Lloyd-Jones explains that Paul outlines a clear progression: Adam's one sin led to judgment, judgment led to condemnation, and condemnation led to death. As Lloyd-Jones states, "Sin leads to judgment. The judgment is one of condemnation, and the condemnation that is passed and is pronounced is death." Paul emphasizes that it was specifically "one man's offense" (Adam's single act of disobedience) that brought this sentence of death upon all humanity.

What does the phrase "death reigned" mean in this passage?

Lloyd-Jones describes "death reigned" as a graphic statement that perfectly summarizes life in this world apart from Christ. He explains: "Death came in as a conqueror, death triumphed overall, death held sway over everybody." He quotes Hebrews 2:14-15 to illustrate how mankind lives "through fear of death... all their lifetime subject to bondage." Lloyd-Jones notes that even in modern times, people's fear of death manifests in various ways, from protests against nuclear weapons to the obsession with staying young.

What is "the gift of righteousness" that Paul mentions?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that "the gift of righteousness" goes beyond mere justification. He states: "It is not merely that we are forgiven. We are forgiven, but over and above being forgiven, the righteousness of Jesus Christ is put to our account. It is put upon us. We are clothed with the righteousness of Jesus Christ." He quotes Isaac Watts who wrote that in Christ, "the tribes of Adam boast more blessings than their father lost," because Adam only had his own created righteousness, while believers receive Christ's divine righteousness.

What does it mean to "reign in life" through Jesus Christ?

According to Lloyd-Jones, "reigning in life" means far more than simply being free from death's dominion. It means that believers:

1. Are already seated "in heavenly places in Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 2)
2. Are delivered from the fear of death
3. Are no longer under sin's dominion (Romans 6:14)
4. Have victory over the devil (James 4:7)
5. Are "more than conquerors" over life's troubles (Romans 8)

Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that this reigning has begun now but will be fully realized in the future when believers will "judge the world" and even "judge angels" (1 Corinthians 6:2-3), sharing Christ's throne as "kings and priests unto God" (Revelation 1:6).

How does Lloyd-Jones describe the superiority of what we gain in Christ compared to what was lost in Adam?

Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that Christ gives us "much more" than what Adam lost. He explains that Adam was merely "lord of creation" which he lost through sin. In Christ, believers not only regain that position but receive "infinitely more"—they will "share the throne with the Son of God, who shares the throne with his Father." Christ is described as "King of kings," and Lloyd-Jones points out that believers are those kings over whom Christ reigns. This is why Paul uses terms like "abundance," "much more," and speaks of the "freeness and fullness of it all."

Why does Paul repeatedly emphasize "one man" and "one offense" in this passage?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones points out that Paul repeatedly emphasizes "one man" (Adam) and "one offense" (his sin) to ensure complete clarity about his doctrine of original sin. Lloyd-Jones states, "It really passes comprehension, doesn't it, as to how anybody can possibly argue with this statement." He notes that critics don't deny what Paul is saying but instead claim Paul was wrong or following rabbinical teaching. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that Paul's repetition serves "for the sake of double emphasis, so that nobody should ever be in any trouble" about understanding this doctrine.