Romans 5:14 — Death reigned “from Adam to Moses” — even in those who had not sinned in the same way as the “first Adam”. Spiritual death. But through God’s abundant grace those who believe in Jesus “the last Adam” are made righteous and “reign in life” by him (Romans 5:17).
The expression “much more” is used five times in Romans chapter 5 to contrast Christ’s obedience and Adam’s disobedience. The latter was nullified by Jesus when he died on the Cross for the sins of the world — thereby making God’s grace available to all who believe in the Son of God and submit to him as their Lord and Saviour.
There’s one other “much more” in the Bible, and it’s in 2 Chronicles 25:9, where a king of Judah whose army numbered 300,000 was about to go out to battle against a foreign army. But thinking that 300,000 might not be enough, he hired an extra 100,000 soldiers from the northern kingdom of Israel.
But then “a man of God” advised the king to send the extra 100,000 home to Israel because of the widespread idolatry practiced in the northern kingdom.
“But how shall I regain the money already paid for the extra 100,000” asked the king. And the man of God said: “The LORD is able to give you much more than this.” MUCH MORE! Not a matter of comparisons but of contrasts! There was no comparison between the king’s added ‘insurance’ and God’s reassurance of His ability to give the king a great victory without it!
So, whenever you read the “much more” list in Romans chapter 5, bear in mind the single “much more” of 2 Chronicles 25:9.
Methodist sermons of old consisted of “three points and a window” (illustration). The Apostle Paul’s ‘message’ in Romans chapter 5 has those points and its “window” of 2 Chronicles 25:9 makes it one of Paul’s most memorable !