Does Romans 5:18 mean all men will be justified?

Whosoever Will, Not For Ours Only: Romans 5:18 extends the scope explicitly: "Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life." The parallel is precise. The all men who came under condemnation through Adam's offense = all humanity. The all men upon whom the free gift came through Christ's righteousness = all humanity. The same scope on both sides. If "all men" in the first half means all human beings (and this is not disputed), then "all men" in the second half means the same thing. Paul is not saying all humanity will be justified. The free gift must be received through faith (Romans 3:22; 5:1). But he is saying the basis of justification (the righteousness of the One) has been made available to all men in the same way that condemnation fell upon all men. The provision is universal. The reception is through genuine faith. Scripture, King James Version: Romans 5:18, "Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life."; Romans 3:22, "Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:"; Romans 5:1, "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:".

Verified. Every scripture quotation on this page has been checked word-for-word against the King James text. Last reviewed 2026-10-18.