In this first Lenten sermon from The Righteousness of God in Christ, we begin in Romans 5:12–19 by tracing the contrast between Adam and Christ: through Adam, sin, guilt, and death spread to all; through Christ, righteousness and life are given by grace. As Lent calls us to sober reflection, we become more aware of our need for righteousness—and rejoice that in Jesus, our true Head, we inherit forgiveness, new birth, and eternal life by grace through faith.