The question is asked, what is the meaning of the words, "As in Adam all die even so in Christ shall all be made alive" (1 Cor 15.22). The apostle had two families in mind: of Adam and of Christ. The one is natural and the other spiritual. Each family is involved in the consequences of what its head is done. Adam's one disobedience has constituted his whole family sinners, and the sentence of death lies upon him (Rom 5.14-18). Christ's one obedience has constituted His whole family righteous, and life-eternal life is their portion.
In Romans 5 the apostle argues that surely the consequences of what the Second Man has done are as far reaching as the consequences of what the first man has done. Thus the whole believing family of Christ are reckoned righteous by God-they are as clear of judgment as Christ is clear. This is God's triumph of grace, "for, where sin abounded: that as sin has reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Christ Jesus our Lord (Rom 5.21)
