Definition: And not as [it was] by one that sinned, [so is] the gift: for the judgment [was] by one to condemnation, but the free gift [is] of many offences unto justification.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this really important verse from Romans 5:16. It’s a complex passage, but we can make it understandable. Here's a simplified explanation: Core Idea: This verse is about forgiveness and God’s plan for us. It says that God doesn’t just forgive people who do sin – He forgives everyone, even those who have committed terrible mistakes. And because of this, there’s a bigger, more generous way to be forgiven. Let's break it down word-by-word: “And not as [it was] by one that sinned” : This is the first part. “It was” refers back to the idea of humanity being flawed and separated from God. The phrase "by one that sinned" means that everyone has a fallen nature – we all make mistakes and are inherently imperfect. “so is” : This is a key word here, meaning "therefore." It’s like saying “because of this.” “the gift” : This refers to God's grace – His love and mercy towards us. “for the judgment was by one to condemnation” : This means that God has already decided (through His judgment) that some people are truly deserving of punishment or unhappiness. It’s like a decision being made that someone will be punished for their wrongdoing. “but the free gift [is] of many offences unto justification” : This is the really important part. “Free gift” means something valuable and abundant. The phrase “unto justification” means that because of all those past offenses (the mistakes we’ve made), there's a bigger, more generous way to be saved or justified – meaning found right with God. Putting it all together: God doesn’t just forgive us for our sins because we are guilty. He forgives us because everyone is guilty, and because of that, there's a big, generous deal of forgiveness offered to all people. It's like a huge amount of grace is being given to everyone – even those who have made terrible mistakes. This offers a path to be right with God and receive His love and acceptance. In simpler terms: “God doesn’t just forgive us for our bad deeds; He gives us forgiveness because everyone has done wrong, and that forgiveness is offered to everyone.” Why is this verse important? It emphasizes God's infinite mercy and the possibility of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. It highlights that forgiveness isn't based on our own efforts but on God’s love for us. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further with a story or analogy? Discuss what "justification" means in more detail? Explore the concept of grace?