Romans 5 Footnotes

5:12 Employing the concept of corporate solidarity, Paul explained that all humanity was profoundly affected through Adam’s act of rebellion. There is a corresponding corporate solidarity in Christ. Whereas “in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive” (1Co 15:22). Therefore, Paul said later that “no condemnation” comes to “those in Christ Jesus” (Rm 8:1, emphasis added). So while the damaging consequences of Adam’s sin, including an inherited tendency to sin, were passed on to all of Adam’s descendants, justification likewise passes on to all who receive God’s gift of righteousness secured through Christ’s death (vv. 17-19). Note, however, that Paul did not teach universalism. God forces his righteousness on no one; people must receive the offered gift through faith.