“Death through Adam, Life through Jesus” Romans 5.12-19, Feb. ’26 Lent 1

 

“Death through Adam, Life through Jesus” Romans 5.12-19, Feb. ’26 Lent 1

1.      Grace, mercy, and peace to you from God our Heavenly Father and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. The message from God’s Word this 1st Sunday in Lent comes from Romans 5:12-19 and is entitled: “Death through Adam, Life through Christ.” Dear brothers and sisters in Christ.

2.      When you turn on the news—or scroll through social media—you’ll quickly notice a common theme: problems. Here in Wisconsin, we hear reports of rising healthcare costs, debates over public safety, and concerns about winter storms causing accidents on icy roads. Across the nation, Americans face inflation, housing challenges, political division, and natural disasters like wildfires and hurricanes. Around the world, wars, humanitarian crises, famine, economic uncertainty, and climate disasters affect millions. Even in our own lives, we experience problems—family or relationship struggles, financial stress, health concerns, or times of spiritual doubt.

3.      All of these are reminders that we live in a broken world. Problems are everywhere, but there is one problem that towers above all others—a problem that no one likes to talk about: death. Death is universal. It doesn’t care who you are, how much money you have, what job you hold, or how many people depend on you. It is inevitable. And most people avoid talking about it because there seems to be no solution. We wonder: what happens next? Is there a heaven? A hell? Or do we simply cease to exist?

4.      We live in a culture of denial, pretending death doesn’t exist. But Scripture calls us to face this reality head-on. And when we do, we see there is a solution. Romans 5 teaches us that sin is the cause of death. And it all began with one man—Adam. When Adam and Eve disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden, sin entered the world. That sin is not just something we do; it is something we inherit. By nature, we are sinners.

5.      Paul reminds us that sin brings death—not just bodily death, but spiritual death. Spiritual death is life separated from God, a life cut off from the love, joy, and purpose for which we were created. All the wealth, success, or power in the world cannot change this reality. Every person, no matter their circumstances, falls under the weight of sin and the certainty of death.

6.      But thanks be to God, all has changed through Jesus Christ, the New Adam. Just as sin and death came to all through Adam, grace and life come to all who are in Christ. Jesus is the remedy for what Adam broke. Through Him, we are reconciled to God. Our sins are forgiven. The evil in our nature no longer keeps us from God’s love. Death still exists, but it no longer has the final word.

7.      St. Paul writes here in Romans 5: “Just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification for all men.” Think about that for a moment. Adam’s disobedience brought sin, guilt, and death into the world, affecting billions. But Jesus’ obedience—His suffering, death, and resurrection—brings righteousness, forgiveness, and life to all who believe.

8.      To illustrate, there was once a movie called The Last Emperor. The boy emperor said, “When I do wrong, someone else is punished,” showing the world’s way of justice. Christianity reverses this pattern. When we sin, Jesus is punished in our place. On the cross, He takes the condemnation we deserve. His death brings life to all who believe. This is the heart of the Gospel: Adam’s sin was the worst mistake in human history. But what Jesus did—His death on the cross—is the greatest event in human history. Because of Him, we are no longer condemned. We are justified. God looks at us and says, “Not guilty!” And this is not just for a few people, but for all who believe. Jesus’ victory over sin and death is universal, but it becomes ours personally through faith.

9.      Because of this, we can face life and death with hope and peace. We no longer need to carry the weight of sin or despair about the future. When challenges come—whether illness strikes, relationships are strained, or death approaches—we have confidence. We have peace. We have hope. Why? Because our Savior has already walked this path, conquered sin, and opened the way to eternal life with God.

10.   Even as we hear about problems in the news every day—rising costs, natural disasters, conflicts, and global crises—we can see them in light of Christ. The world will always have challenges, but the greatest problem has already been solved. Jesus Christ, the New Adam, has defeated death for us. And because of Him, we can live with hope, courage, and peace today, tomorrow, and for all eternity.

11.   Death came through Adam, but life has come through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. Now may the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus until life everlasting. Amen.