Definition: But not as the offence, so also [is] the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, [which is] by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important verse from Romans 5:15. It’s a really rich and powerful statement about forgiveness and God's love. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that God’s forgiveness – His grace – isn’t just for some people. It’s so generous, it’s practically overflowing! And because of this overflow, much more grace and gift are available to us all. Let's unpack it piece by piece: "But not as the offence..." : This means that the offense isn’t the cause of God’s love. It’s a trigger . It’s something that causes pain or difficulty – like a mistake or wrong action. "...so also [is] the free gift." : This part is key. "Free gift" means it's given without any requirement to earn it. It’s an unearned, abundant blessing. "For if through the offence of one many be dead..." : This explains why this generous gift exists. “Many” refers to humanity – all of us. When one person makes a mistake (commits a sin), it causes pain and death for everyone. It’s a significant loss. "...much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ..." : This is where the big picture comes in. Because many people died because of one person's mistake, God amplifies His grace (His goodness, mercy, and love) to everyone . It’s like a massive flood – even though there was an initial event (the offense), it brings an enormous amount of life-giving water (grace) to everyone. "By one man, Jesus Christ" refers to the fact that Jesus is the only person who is truly forgiven and offers grace to us all. In simpler terms: God’s forgiveness isn't limited to just those who make mistakes. Because of our sins, God has given us a huge amount of grace – love, mercy, and forgiveness – to reach everyone through Jesus Christ. It's like He’s overflowing his generosity in a way that makes forgiveness available for all. Why is this important? It emphasizes that we are all part of the plan God has set up, and that even though we stumble, God’s love and grace remain strong and abundant for us all. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these words or concepts in more detail? Give an example of how this verse applies to our lives today?