Dueling Dominions

Paul uses a compare-and-contrast format here in this passage: Adam and death on the one hand, and Jesus and righteousness on the other. When Adam sinned, death entered the world and guilt was imputed to each of us. But the perfect work of Jesus is greater, and He has given us the free gift of justification! All we have to do is receive this gift; we can never earn Christ's favor by our own works. We are either still under the dominion of sin and death, or we have been brought into Christ's Kingdom of life and grace! Which kingdom are you in? Who is your ruler? Which dominion are you under? The kingdom of Adam and condemnation? Or is Christ your King – reigning over you and freely giving you righteousness, joy, and peace that the world can never take away from you?