This ancient truth, like a whisper through time, tells the story of how humanity’s first rebellion in Adam set the course for separation from God. But separation doesn’t necessarily mean we are conscious of it, we only experience the consequences of that separation. If we were in hell, we wouldn’t even know it; the devil wouldn’t tell us. Instead, we’d carry on as if nothing were wrong—numb, forgetting, blind to our true condition. C.S. Lewis noted,

“The safest road to hell is the gradual one—the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts.”

This is the death Romans speaks of, not mere cessation of life but complete separation from God and truth, and not even being aware of it.

THE AMNESIA OF HUMANITY: DRUNK ON FORGETFULNESS AND THE KISS OF LIFE

Paul begins by stating,

“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned” (Romans 5:12, KJV).

Like Snow White humanity is under the spell of the Cosmic Sandman, mankind has fallen into a deep, oblivious sleep, lulled by the hypnotic rhythms of a world system that distracts, numbs, and ultimately distracts us from our Creator.

The Greeks personified this as Thanatos (death, θάνατος) and his twin Hypnos (Sleep), both living in hades by Lethe—the river of forgetfulness. In Greek mythology, Lethe flows through Hades, where those who drink from it lose memory of who they are and whence they came. For us, too, forgetting our origin in God, our purpose, and our divine design brings a different kind of death as we we lose our true selves.

This is the “death that reigned [over us] from Adam until Moses” (v.14).

The idea of turning away from our true identity and purpose is addressed in the writings of several early Church Fathers. One prominent voice on this topic was St. Athanasius of Alexandria in his work On the Incarnation. He emphasized that humans, created in God’s image, lose their true nature and purpose through sin, becoming disconnected from their original design.

Additionally, St. Augustine also discussed this concept, particularly in Confessions, where he describes how people seek fulfilment in worldly things, turning away from God, and thus from their true self and purpose.

Both Fathers convey that in Christ, believers can recover their authentic selves and return to their intended design, finding their identity and purpose through unity with God.

Paul’s message in Romans reminds us of this tragedy: humanity suffers from universal amnesia, having drunk deeply from this river of forgetfulness, leaving us unaware of our true state. But through Christ, we are offered a different cup—a return to the River of Life that flows from Christ, awakening us to truth, love, and purpose.

The Greek word hamartia (ἁμαρτία), often translated as “sin,” means “missing the mark.” It’s not just about doing wrong; it’s about trying to save ourselves through all human-made efforts that ultimately fall short.

In our state of forgetfulness or “death” because of spiritual unconsciousness (amnesia), society has tirelessly laboured to create systems, philosophies, and technologies to “rescue” us from the raging chaos on the earth, yet these efforts miss the true design of God.

But this is all to no avail since it doesn’t address the original problem of sin, “the many died by the trespass of the one man” (v.15).

All of humanity’s self-saving methods—philosophies, wealth, power, even fame—are but illusions that obscure our desperate need for forgiveness and reconnection with God. Only Christ’s sacrifice and His victory over death offers us an escape from this death cycle, as Romans 5:17 explains:

“For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned [through amnesia] 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!”

In Him, we are invited to regain consciousness and our true selves and thus reign in life, freed from the chains of amnesia, self-deception, and separation from God.

In our text, death, isn’t just physical cessation but represents an existence of separation and exile from God – a place of darkness, estrangement and in exile. This death is like a long, nightmarish sleep, akin to the Greek underworld or plato’s cave.

Plato’s Allegory of the Cave, found in The Republic (Book VII), is a philosophical metaphor about knowledge, reality, and enlightenment. It depicts prisoners who have been chained inside a dark cave their entire lives, facing a blank wall. They can only see shadows projected on this wall, cast by objects passing in front of a fire behind them. Since they’ve never seen anything else, the prisoners mistake these shadows for reality.

One prisoner eventually escapes the cave and, after a painful adjustment to the light outside, discovers the actual world. He realizes that the shadows in the cave were mere illusions and that true reality exists beyond the cave, in the light of the sun. This sun represents the ultimate truth and knowledge, symbolizing enlightenment and the Form of the Good in Plato’s philosophy.

When the escaped prisoner returns to the cave to inform the others, they resist his message, clinging to their familiar shadows, even growing hostile to his attempt to free them.

The allegory illustrates Plato’s belief that most people live in ignorance (unconsciousness), mistaking sensory experiences for reality, while true understanding comes only through understanding and spiritual renewal in Christ. This permits proper philosophical reasoning and intellectual awakening. The cave represents the world of appearances, while the journey outside symbolizes the soul’s ascent toward higher knowledge and truth.

In this place, humanity forgets its origin and identity, wandering like Snow White in enchanted slumber (unconsciousness), awaiting the kiss from the mouth of the True Prince.

This imagery resonates deeply: in Adam, we’ve all drunk from Lethe’s bitter waters, severed from God’s vibrant life. But God’s river–the River of Life that flows from His throne (Revelation 22:1)–offers an alternative. We must choose to drink from this river, not from the sewers of Lethe that flow from the depths of hell.

CALLED TO RETURN TO DOMINION

Reclaiming Our Original Authority in Christ: Called to Cultivate, Protect, and Reign

“For if, because of one man’s sin, death held sway through that one, how much more will those who receive the overflowing grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!” (Romans 5:17, modernized).

In Hebrew, the word for “man” is Adam (אָדָם), which comes from adamah (אֲדָמָה), meaning “earth.” Adam, created from the dust, represents all of humanity—he is, in essence, an “earthling.” Through his disobedience, a spiritual death, or separation from God, entered humanity, a rift in the very fabric of our relationship with our Creator. In essence we are Adam genetically.

We are not simply “saved” to escape judgment. We have been rescued and restored to our original calling—to reign over the earth with God-given authority, reflecting His purpose. Our redemption restores not only our relationship with God but also our rightful role in His creation. God’s original command to humanity was not just to populate the earth but to cultivate, steward, and protect it, wielding authority over all He created.

“Then the eternal God took the man and placed him in the Garden of Eden to cultivate it and protect it” (Genesis 2:15).

Notice this instruction was given before humanity’s fall, meaning that even in a perfect world, vigilance was needed; there was an inherent responsibility to guard against any threat, implying the ongoing need to be watchful stewards. This principle remains for us today.

The foundational design of this authority appears in Genesis 1:26:

‘Then God said, …’Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness, and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, the livestock, and all the earth, and every creeping thing that crawls on the earth.’”

Here, “fish” can be seen as symbolizing those on earth, and the “birds of the air” representing spiritual beings, as Jesus explains in Luke 8:5-12, where He describes the birds as demons that come to snatch away the word from people’s hearts. Additionally, Paul in Ephesians 6:12, warns that we wrestle,

“not against flesh and blood, but against rulers, authorities, and cosmic powers over this present darkness.”

Psalm 149 reminds us of the privilege we have in exercising this authority:

“Let the high praises of God be in their mouths, and a double-edged sword in their hands, to execute vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples, to bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron, to execute the judgment written against them—this honour [duty] is for all His faithful ones” (Psalm 149:6-9, NLT).

With high praises, we remember our God-given authority, and we are equipped to overthrow the chains of death and separation.

We are not helpless victims, but empowered to resist the forces of darkness. Our call to rule in life means engaging in the spiritual battle, where,

“the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent [active, agressive] take it by force [determination]” (Matthew 11:12, ESV).

The kingdom of God requires vigilant stewards; it won’t cultivate and guard itself. Just as Eden required a watchful Adam, the Church (the kingdom of God on earth) is our Eden amidst the world’s chaos and darkness. We have a response-ability to protect and advance this kingdom.

Our praise, our commitment to our duty, wielding the sword of the spirit, and our authority all come together as we enforce God’s written judgment against all that opposes Him. This is how we reap rich rewards.

As we boldly walk in His promises with purpose and determination, we create an environment where paradise can flourish. Let us stand up to our calling, empowered by the abundant grace given to us. Through Jesus, we are not only saved but equipped to guard and protect His kingdom, ensuring that it thrives and brings light to the world.

TORAH: THE DIVINE MAP TO RECONNECTION

Jewish commentator Rashi points out that God’s instructions serve not merely to control but to restore and elevate. Torah is a path back to Eden’s harmony, a roadmap meant to guide us toward spiritual fulfilment, away from the chaos of disconnection.

Paul writes,

“Death reigned from Adam to Moses” (Romans 5:14, KJV)

The Hebrew word Torah (תּוֹרָה), comes from the root yarah (ירה), meaning “to point,” “to aim,” or “to direct.” This guidance contrasts with the mythologies of pagan gods, who demanded appeasement without offering clear direction. Instead, Torah invites us back to harmony with God’s eternal laws. It is like the North Star, a fixed point in the heavens, showing us the way home.

The connection between Torah (תורה) and the root horah (הורה), meaning “to teach” or “to instruct,” is deeply embedded in the etymology and purpose of the word. This is where we get the word “hear,” which is hören in German or hoor in Dutch.

Rashi, helps us understand the significance of Torah’s arrival. The Law of Moses wasn’t a mere rulebook; it was “an arrow pointing the way back to God,” a gift from a loving Father desiring His children’s return. Rashi explains that Torah is more than law; it’s instruction, a guidepost, a way for humanity to remember (re connect) its connection to God and realign with Him.

The word Torah is often translated as “Law,” yet it reflects something much deeper: “the way things are,” rather than simply “the way things should be.” Torah embodies what we now call Natural Law—the divine harmony woven into creation itself, predating all religious codes or doctrines. Torah doesn’t aim to impose rules but instead reveals the pattern of existence innate to creation itself. Torah guides us back to the Creator’s intended order, a return to the original design from which sin pulled us away.

This is a pattern that humanity has intuited across cultures. In their storytelling, the people of the world began to tell stories that resonated with universal truths, developing archetypes and patterns that speak to the deepest parts of the human soul. Through the convergence of these stories, we see a glimpse of the “I AM”—the divine spark and the Natural Law that Torah embodies.

Long before humanity understood creation as governed by consistent laws rather than by chaotic, unpredictable deities, Torah revealed a different God—a God of harmony, order, and justice. It is not merely law but life, as Psalm 119:105 says,

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

Torah shines as a beacon, guiding us out of our amnesia, leading us to live in alignment with the divine rhythm of creation.

“How long are you going to wait before you begin to take possession of the land that the Lord, the God of your ancestors, has given to you?” (Joshua 18:3, NIV).

The question rings out over the ages. Joshua called the Israelites to take hold of their inheritance. Today, God calls us to drink from His river of life, to possess the spiritual land that has been given to us. The Law was only a temporary tutor pointing the way; now, we have the fullness in Christ. Will we remain in slumber, or awaken and take hold of what is ours in Him?

CHRIST, THE SECOND ADAM: RESTORING LIFE AND PURPOSE

Paul calls Adam a “pattern” for the One to come, that is, Jesus (Romans 5:14). If Adam’s transgression led to universal separation, Christ’s obedience and sacrifice lead to universal reconciliation. In Adam, we drank the waters of forgetfulness; in Christ, we are offered the Living Water that restores life, memory, and purpose.

Jesus, born of a virgin and untouched by Adam’s bloodline, comes as the new and perfect Adam. He is the woman’s seed prophesied in Genesis 3:15, free from the taint of inherited sin. Through Jesus, we are invited into a covenant that transfers His life, righteousness, and relationship with the Father to us. This union is like a marriage – an intimate connection in which what is His becomes ours, and what is ours becomes His.

In the mystery of this covenant, we find not only reconciliation but a call to rule alongside Him:

“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!” (Romans 5:17, NIV).

This “reigning in life” is no passive inheritance; it’s an active calling. We are meant to be His co-regents, His ambassadors of life. We don’t merely escape death; we conquer it. We don’t passively exist in forgetfulness; we are called to wield the two-edged sword of truth, clothed in the authority of Christ Himself.

HAMARTIA: A MISGUIDED SALVATION

The Greek word for sin, hamartia (ἁμαρτία), has a deeper meaning than simply doing wrong. It means “to miss the mark,” as an arrow that falls short of its target. But hamartia also encapsulates society’s misguided attempts to save itself. Like humanity’s futile efforts to save itself from chaos and separation, hamartia represents the striving to regain Eden without God, the frantic activity to reclaim paradise through our own strength. We see this today in systems that promise peace and fulfillment apart from God – the ceaseless chase of career, wealth, fame, and knowledge, all of which fall short.

Humanity’s attempts to fill the void are like drinking from Lethe: distractions, achievements, pleasures – they only increase our spiritual forgetfulness, leaving us farther from the River of Life. The answer isn’t in striving or trying harder but in surrendering to the Giver of Life, drinking deeply from the waters of His Spirit.

THE CALL TO AWAKEN: REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE

Humanity’s true condition is one of universal amnesia. In Christ, we are offered the kiss of life, the awakening call to remember who we are and whose we are. We are not abandoned to wander in the darkened underworld; we have been called to reign in the kingdom of light. Matthew Henry reminds us that “God’s grace in Christ far surpasses the damage done by Adam’s sin.” He emphasizes that while Adam’s trespass led to death’s reign, Christ’s grace offers abundant life, which we receive as we embrace His gift of righteousness.

The Holy Spirit calls us to rise up, to possess our inheritance, and to drink deeply from the River of Life. The Prince of Peace extends His hand, offering not only forgiveness but freedom from the bondage of death and forgetfulness.

So let us awaken from the slumber of separation. Let us drink from the living waters, rejoicing in our reconnection with God. And as we do, let us lift high the praises of God, sharpening the sword of His Word in our mouths as we walk in the fullness of our inheritance, redeemed and empowered in Christ.

Remembering Our Origin and Destiny

Adam’s choice led us all into separation—a genetic inheritance of sin that spread like a stain. But Jesus, the second Adam, the woman’s seed promised in Genesis 3:15, was born free from this tainted bloodline. His life and sacrifice offer us a new bloodline, a restored connection to the Father. By union with Christ, we recover all we lost in Adam: purpose, intimacy with God, and life itself.

In Amos 3:3, God asks,

“Can two walk together unless they agree?”

In our rebellion, we walked apart from God, but in agreement with Christ, we are reconciled, just as Romans 5 reveals. As we say “yes” to Him, we awake from our sleep of forgetfulness, stepping out of the cave of Lethe, drinking instead from the River of Life flowing from God’s throne (Revelation 22:1), living in the full knowledge of God’s love, grace, and truth.

Psalm 149:6-9 declares,

“May the praise of God be in their mouths and a double-edged sword in their hands, to inflict vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples, to bind their kings with fetters, their nobles with shackles of iron, to carry out the sentence written against them—this is the glory of all his faithful people.”

It is in praise, thanksgiving, and faith that we align ourselves with Christ’s victory, living as He intended—alert, aware, and reigning in life.

Let us shake off the spell of the world’s forgetfulness and drink deeply from the living waters, not from the poisoned wells of illusion. As we remember, we return, reign, and recover all that was lost, living fully in the way things truly are.