“For until the law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned according to the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come.” – Romans 5:13-14
It may seem that Paul is repeating himself, He’s not; he’s building a case for the universality of sin. Paul anticipates the sharp thinker in his audience—the one who asks, “If there was no law, how could there be sin?” And Paul’s answer is brilliant: sin didn’t begin with the law, it began with Adam. The law simply gave names to what was already present. From Adam to Moses, there was no written law, yet death reigned. Why? Because sin was already in the world. Death didn’t take a holiday during that time—it was the proof that humanity was already under the curse.
Think of it this way: when someone tells you not to touch something, what’s the first thing you want to do? That’s transgression—crossing a known line. But Paul’s point is deeper. Even before the line was drawn, sin was already at work. Adam’s disobedience ushered in a universal condition, not just a list of offenses. The Ten Commandments didn’t create sin—they exposed it. From Adam onward, every person born inherited a sinful nature. And the evidence is everywhere: everyone dies. Not because they broke a specific law, but because they were born into sin. “For until the law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned…” (Romans 5:13–14). Death is the great equalizer, the undeniable proof that sin is in us all.
So what do we do with this truth? We recognize that sins—plural—are just the symptoms of sin—singular. We don’t become sinners because we sin; we sin because we are sinners. That’s why we need a Savior. Adam brought death, but Christ brings life. Verse 14 tells us that Adam was a type of Christ—but in reverse. Adam’s one act brought condemnation; Christ’s one act brings justification. If you’ve ever wondered why the world is broken, why death touches every family, or why you struggle with sin, look back to Adam. But don’t stop there—look to Jesus. He is the greater Head, the One who reverses the curse. Today, let this truth humble you and stir your heart. You were born in Adam, but you can be reborn in Christ. Receive Him, rest in Him, and rejoice that grace has the final word.
“Sin was in the world from Adam to Moses, though there was no formal law. Death reigned over all, proving that sin was present and judgment was real—even when transgression could not be charged in the same way.” – H.A. Ironside
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