After the similitude] RV 'likeness,' i.e. by consciously breaking law.

15-21. But our inheritance from Christ more than repairs the ruin of the Fall.

Paraphrase. '(15) But the inheritances from Adam and from Christ differ in degree and in kind. For if Adam's Fall was so powerful for harm, God's favour, shown through Christ, is much more powerful for good. (16) Again, sin is so terrible, that one sin led to man's condemnation. But God's favour is still mightier, for it offers pardon to all sins. (17) So mighty is it that, while we know that Adam's sin brought death, it is much more easy to conceive that those who welcome God's bounty will attain to life and glory through Christ. (18) To sum up; one sin brought condemnation to all, but, over against this, one verdict of acquittal has brought acceptance and life within the reach of all. (19) For the obedience of the second head of humanity reverses the effect of the disobedience of the first. (20) The Law has a subordinate place; it was meant to convert the unconscious sin of the world into definite transgression, that men might learn how far they are from doing God's will. But God's favour was so stupendously manifested as to overwhelm even this multiplied sin, (21) that the power of His gracious favour might prevail over that of sin, and bring man, through the work of Christ, to acceptance and to eternal life.'

Continues after advertising
Continues after advertising