The one and the many are a frequent theme of dispute in ancient philosophy. There was endless debate about whether there was actually one thing in the universe or if there were multiple different things. This debate was phrased as a debate between those who thought there was just one substance, normally existing in very small particles which gathered in different ways to make multiple appearances, and those who thought there were multiple different substances. "The many" therefore had a long history of referring to "all the things there can be" as opposed to "one thing."
Paul's statements in Romans 5.19 seem to echo this distinction. See how universal the curse of sin is. Through one man's sin "many" (meaning everyone) are made unrighteous. Likewise through one man's obedience "many" (meaning everyone) are made righteous. This is yet another passage in the New Testament where the Holy Spirit speaks in uncomfortably universalistic terms. Jesus died for the sins of the whole world. He redeemed the world to himself. Through the death of Christ the whole world is made righteous.
Yet we do not affirm that the game is over. Jesus has conquered and everyone is going to heavenly bliss because he has redeemed the world. We don't affirm that because over and over again the Scripture puts a requirement on being a participant in Christ's death and resurrection. And that requirement is one which can make us as uncomfortable as the universalistic statements we saw earlier. What must we do to be saved? We must believe on the Lord. Don't we need to take on a laundry list of ways to improve our lives? Actually we don't. God is certainly the one who has ordained good works in this world. He uses those good works to accomplish his purpose. They are a good thing. The Christian should expect to desire to do good works and should engage in them even when that desire seems a bit cold. But they are a way of loving our neighbor. They are a way God's kingdom comes and his will is done on earth as it is in heaven. They are not the way of salvation. We are participants in Christ's death and resurrection by believing that it is sufficient. That's it. Those who don't believe are condemned. They get to work out their own salvation. Those who believe are made righteous. They participate in Christ's righteousness. That is the end of the story. At that point the game is over. Jesus has conquered and everyone who believes that is going to heavenly bliss because he has redeemed the world. Those who don't believe get to figure out their own way to heavenly bliss. Scripture says there isn't another way. We can participate in Adam or we can participate in Christ.
Lord, let us trust you rather than ourselves.
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