So then as through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men (mankind), even so through one act of righteousness there resulted justification of life to all men (mankind). 

                                                                                                                 Romans 5:18 

John 3:16 is a passage often used as a way to summarize the gospel message and it certainly works in that capacity. But if we were looking for a way to summarize our spiritual dilemma and reveal the solution to that problem, it would have to be today’s passage.

Mankind’s spiritual problem begins with the very first man. Reading through the Genesis 3 account will help in understanding the historical context behind this problem but it can be summarized by saying that our rebellious spiritual nature (or sin nature) originated with Adam. Everything that is not right with the world can be traced back to man’s original decision to ignore God’s parameters for living. And the pain and trouble that we still find in our lives today is a result of our decisions to do the same. Consider Paul’s words: 

So then as through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men (mankind)… 

First, it is vitally important that we correctly define the word “men.” This is not a gender specific word. It is not referring to men only rather it encompasses every man, woman, and child. The word is the Greek anthropos and is used more than five hundred times in the New Testament. It literally means “humans.” Translated “mankind”, this word, when accompanied by the word “all”, includes everyone who has ever walked the earth. So because of the one transgression of Adam, there resulted condemnation to everyone. But now for the good news:

…even so through one act of righteousness (by Christ) there resulted justification of life to all men (mankind).  

The one transgression of Adam that brought condemnation to mankind was met with the one act of righteousness of Jesus on the cross. And it is His one act of righteousness that resulted in justification of life to everyone. In other words, Jesus’ one act on the cross “reversed the curse” that Adam’s transgression brought to mankind. In fact, the love of God displayed on that cross surpasses the one transgression. Consider again Paul’s words: 

The Law came in so that the transgression would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more…

                                                                                                     Romans 5:20 

Adam’s one transgression brings condemnation and the Law was given to increase the guilt of that transgression but where sin increased, the grace of God “abounded all the more.” The word “abounded” is actually a compound word that can be translated “super abounded.” What Paul is saying is that the loving action of God through Jesus on the cross surpasses any guilt that the transgression brought to mankind. In other words, the justification of life offered to mankind by faith is greater than the condemnation that Adam’s transgression brought to the world.

The only question that needs to be asked after reading and understanding the problem and the solution is simply, “Have we received this justification of life from God?” In order to understand that this salvation must be received, let’s go back and conclude with the John 3:16 passage. Consider the words of Jesus and talk to Him about where you stand regarding this amazing good news:

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.  

For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.  

He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                   John 3:16-18