A quick question on Romans 5:17

[mizpeh]

"For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)"

What does Paul mean by "life"? This current life we live in the flesh? Eternal life? Could this be one of those "already/not yet" conundrums?

Thanks in advance for your helpful opinions.

[mfblume]

I think it's the current life, but generally LIFE as opposed to the power of Death. And since we have that LIFE that's greater now, then it applies to current life, anyway.

[UnTraditional]

Well...I... what Bro. Blume said!

[Evang.Benincasa]

Originally Posted by mfblume

I think it's the current life, but generally LIFE as opposed to the power of Death. And since we have that LIFE that's greater now, then it applies to current life, anyway.

[Aquila]

I think it can be realized in our lives right now, and even more so after our glorification.

[mizpeh]

Originally Posted by mfblume

I think it's the current life, but generally LIFE as opposed to the power of Death. And since we have that LIFE that's greater now, then it applies to current life, anyway.

Then I must ask you, what does it mean to "reign" in life?
And do you think that the apostles reigned in life?
Did Jesus reign in life?

[mfblume]

Originally Posted by mizpeh

Then I must ask you, what does it mean to "reign" in life?
And do you think that the apostles reigned in life?
Did Jesus reign in life?

Reigning in life means spiritual victory, I believe. Not necessarily prosperity in the material realm as is famously preached today. Romans is about overcoming sinful living, so I think that's the point. That would be why the next chapter speaks about victory that's more than sinning more so grace would abound, but rather actually overcoming sinful activity. Sin ruled but now we must rule, just like 6:12 says to not let sin rule in our mortal bodies. And 8:10-12 teaches us the Spirit resurrects us, not bodily as per context though, so we are not debtors to live after the flesh where sin, in our flesh, rules our lives.

[Evang.Benincasa]

Originally Posted by mfblume

Reigning in life means spiritual victory, I believe. Not necessarily prosperity in the material realm as is famously preached today. Romans is about overcoming sinful living, so I think that's the point. That would be why the next chapter speaks about victory that's more than sinning more so grace would abound, but rather actually overcoming sinful activity. Sin ruled but now we must rule, just like 6:12 says to not let sin rule in our mortal bodies. And 8:10-12 teaches us the Spirit resurrects us, not bodily as per context though, so we are not debtors to live after the flesh where sin, in our flesh, rules our lives.

[Esaias]

Originally Posted by mfblume

Reigning in life means spiritual victory, I believe. Not necessarily prosperity in the material realm as is famously preached today. Romans is about overcoming sinful living, so I think that's the point. That would be why the next chapter speaks about victory that's more than sinning more so grace would abound, but rather actually overcoming sinful activity. Sin ruled but now we must rule, just like 6:12 says to not let sin rule in our mortal bodies. And 8:10-12 teaches us the Spirit resurrects us, not bodily as per context though, so we are not debtors to live after the flesh where sin, in our flesh, rules our lives.

You mean like that righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost stuff Paul talked about elsewhere?

[Evang.Benincasa]

Originally Posted by Esaias

You mean like that righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost stuff Paul talked about elsewhere?