Romans 5:18-19 So then, as through one trespass there is condemnation for everyone, so also through one righteous act there is life-giving justification for everyone. 19 For just as through one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so also through the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous. Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
At the beginning of verse 18 many of the modern translations say "through one sin" while others use the word trespass. When you see a "no trespassing" sign you may think of a property line that is not to be crossed. There is normally a warning which is often accompanied by the ramifications of being caught in violation of the warning. So it is with sin, it is a willful crossing of the line being fully aware of the consequences. Not all sins are such but each of us can look back in our lives where we've crossed the line and were willing to take the possible "hit".
Once that line is crossed there is nothing that we can do to earn our way back into right standing, whether it be before another person or before God. It requires grace and forgiveness on the offended party's part, and repentance and turning on our part and in our heart.
Mankind had been on a slippery slope ever since Adam and Eve crossed that line in the garden. Nothing they, or anyone else who followed them, could do on their own could bring them back aside from the forgiveness and someone paying the price. The Old Testament was full of sacrifices which were temporary measures. But Jesus Christ, in His obedience, in His death and resurrection have provided the way back. It was a sacrifice, the greatest gift ever given, truly the one gift that keeps on giving.
Thanks to that, forgiveness, that grace, that obedience of Jesus, when someone asks "how are you doing?", you can respond like Dave Ramsey, "better than I deserve".
Romans 5:16-20
New International Version (NIV)
16 Nor can the gift of God be compared with the result of one man's sin: The judgment followed one sin and brought condemnation, but the gift followed many trespasses and brought justification. 17 For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!
18 Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people.19 For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.
20 The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more,
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