Prior Book | Prior Chapter | Prior Verse | Next Verse | Next Chapter | Next Book | Viewing NASB and Amplified 2015 | |
NASB | Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Romans 3:23 since all have sinned and continually fall short of the glory of God, |
Bible Question:
I was having a discussion with someone the other day on the topic of salvation and this came up. “Therefore just as the one man’s trespass led to condemnation for all, so one man’s act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all” (Romans 5:18). The controversy (if you wish to call it that) is over the use of the word "ALL". I was taught that the original sin of Adam and Eve partaking of the fruit did condemn ALL of mankind. However, I was also taught that one can only obtain salvation through grace by God, by placing one's trust in Christ through faith, repentance of sins, etc. in otherwords, you're born again. What about the "for all" on the end of that scripture? I never pictured salvation for "ALL". I can't imagine "ALL" people going to heaven. Yet again, "ALL" of us were condemned by one act, are we "ALL" saved by one act? My natural inclination is to say yes with the caveat of surrendering to Jesus. Any comments? |
Bible Answer: Dear Nimrod 2, I think that a careful reading of the verses which surround 5:18 will give you the clues to a proper interetation. Rom 5:17 For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ Rom 5:18 So then as through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men, even so through one act of righteousness there resulted justification of life to all men. Rom 5:19 For as through the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous. v.17 limits v.18 by saying "those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness". Not everyone recieves these blessings, therefore, the "all men" in v.18 refers to all men "who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness." We also have the rest of the Bible to call upon and to shed light on the verse in question. John 3:16 for example: "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that WHOEVER BELIEVES in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." It is a error to form a doctrine from a single verse. So, search the scriptures and never take a man's opinion as "gospel truth". What do you think? God Bless, John Reformed |