For a fourth time, the Apostle Paul uses the expression, “much more” to signify the abundant life in Christ which is the birthright of every child of God, as he pens the fifth chapter of the epistle to the Romans.
17 For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.)
18 Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life.
19 For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous. (v.17-19 NKJV)
The key word is GLORIFIED—that is, we are risen through Him. Again, though the word glorified isn’t found in these verses, the implication is clearly there as Paul speaks of life—eternal life. To be glorified is to be raised from the dead and all that comes with that transformation. Spiritually, that happened when we were justified, and as far as God is concerned it is a settled matter that we will be literally raised and transformed some day. The Apostle tells us that death held dominion because of Adam’s sin, but because of Christ’s resurrection death has been defeated! Jesus promise is, “Because I live, you shall live also!”
We can sing triumphantly, the concluding words of 1 Corinthians 15:
54 So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”
55 “O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?”
56 The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law.
57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. (v.54-58 NKJV)
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