The Ripple Effect of Iniquity
“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.” Romans 5:12 (KJV)
Are you familiar with the concept the ripple effect? A ripple effect is a situation in which, like ripples expanding across the water when an object is dropped into it, an effect from an initial state can be followed outwards incrementally. One of the fondest memories that I was blessed to enjoy as a little boy was going fishing with my grandmother; affectionately known to me and my siblings as “Mama’’. We referred to her as Mama because my biological mother and her sister called her “Mama,” so we mimicked the moniker and made it our own.
What a treat it was to hunt down the right cane pole, tie a line with lead, a hook (with a worm) and a bright bobber that bounced with excitement to let us all know that a fish was tasting or swallowing the bait! But there was also an occasion when I found myself reacting to the small little rings that were expanding into larger rings when my bobber hit the water. I was caught up in the magic circles I was making as opposed to trying to catch fish. I was riveted by the ripple effect .
However, there is another ripple effect as it relates to the human condition. We were all initiated and incarcerated in the ripple effect by one man’s rebellion.
In our opening text, the Apostle Paul turns our attention to the truth that sin entered the world through Adam. Adam’s ripple effect of rebellion is responsible for the fall of the human race. Consequently, death entered the world and spread to all men as a result of Adam’s sin and it has reigned on earth ever since.
But thanks be to our good and gracious God another man (Jesus) caused a ripple effect that rescues the world! Hear what scripture has to say:
“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. Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.” Romans 5:17-19 (KJV)
One man (Adam) troubled the water of humanity with death. Another man (Jesus) entered into the water of humanity with deliverance.
For the Glory of God,
PBKSR