Romans 5:16

And the free gift is not like the result of that one man's sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification.  Romans 5:16 ESV

Keep in mind Paul told us in verse 14 that Adam was a type of the one to come - Jesus Christ - and is working his way toward explaining that comparison. In verse 15, Paul alluded to the fact that both Adam and Christ affected many people - however the bulk of Paul's point so far has been that though Adam was a 'type' or 'imitation' of Jesus Christ who was to come, the results of their acts on those affected were polar opposites.

In verse 15: But the free gift is not like the trespass. Paul goes on to say that the result of one trespass is death, and the result of the free gift is eternal life, by God's grace.

Paul starts verse 16 in a similar way:
And the free gift is not like the result of that one man's sin - 
It seems that Paul is almost repeating himself here, but I think that he is shifting his point slightly. In verse 15, Paul was talking about the power of the trespass to condemn all of those affected - which is all of humanity - (if we go back to verse 12), and the greater power of the free gift, given by the grace of God, to destroy the condemnation of the trespass.

Now, Paul focuses a little more on the different affects of the two acts (trespass and free gift) in the context of judgement, viewed in terms of legality.  


For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation

There are two very important points Paul makes here. 
1. condemnation is the result of God's judgement, which we know is always perfectly just
2. this condemnation was the result of 1 initial trespass, which we know gave birth to many trespasses

condemnation: (Greek) -  an adverse sentence (the verdict) - comes from the Greek word that means to judge against, to condemn or damn
     - I think we could take from this that Paul is saying anyone under the condemnation of even one trespass against our perfect and holy God will be ruled against, given an adverse sentence - or to put it bluntly will be damned - when they stand before Him. I would argue that this condemnation is experienced to a certain degree even in this physical life by all who are not walking in a relationship with Him here and now.



but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification.

In contrast to the one trespass that brought condemnation, the free gift follows many trespasses.

Paul explains the opposite affect that the free gift has on all of those who receive it: justification.

justification: (Greek) - an equitable deed; by implication a statute or decision: - judgment, justification, ordinance, righteousness - comes from the Greek word that means just, innocent, or free.
      -  I think it's interesting that this word has to do with judgement as well, but from a different perspective, one that gives way to rejoicing and praise to the One who has made this justification possible!


We see the legal terms judged, condemnation, and justification here. We know that God is perfectly righteous, which means He cannot rule against what is right. God cannot justify one who is guilty, nor can He condemn one who is innocent.

I would add that the reason God cannot justify the guilty or condemn the innocent is not because He is held to some legal order, or law, that is above Him. God rules justly based on His own character which is the essence of perfect righteousness. In sovereignty, God always acts in accordance with who He is.

It's so important that we understand the perfect righteousness of God's judgement - it is always right in every way. In this verse, Paul is saying that, because of the sin of Adam passed down to all men, the judgement will be condemnation. The sinfulness that we are all guilty of cannot be overlooked...no sin can be overlooked. We are condemned before a perfect God, according to His righteous judgement.

However, there is hope, because Paul also speaks of justification...some people will, according to God's righteous judgement, be determined to be justified, set free. In order for God to maintain His perfect standards, this has to mean that He has not overlooked their sin, but that every single sin of these people has been 100% paid for. How does this happen? The free gift - Christ's sacrifice that is utterly sufficient to pay for every sin we have, and ever will commit!

Thank You Father, for providing the free gift, that we might have hope of knowing what it means to be justified, to be found innocent in spite of all that we have done. Thank You Jesus for being willing to take on our sin, that we might be completely forgiven...please reveal the darkness of our sin to us, that we might appreciate more every day what we have been saved out of and and saved into.