For if by the one man's offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.
(Romans 5:17)

Adam's sin brought the entire human race into bondage. This verse says that death reigned by one, meaning the disobedience of Adam. Not only did mankind die physically, but it also died spiritually.

Sickness, disease, fear, torment, and poverty began to reign over the lives of people. Death became lord or master of the human race. Satan's power dominated the hearts and minds of the people on earth. As verse 17 says, "death reigned." Everything that is associated with death held the human race in bondage.

When Jesus died on the Cross, He destroyed the works of the devil. (1 John 3:8.) Today, the human race no longer needs to be under Satan's bondage. Jesus broke his reign of spiritual death.

"Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage" (Heb. 2:14,15).

Follow this progression:
Satan—Sin—Death—Fear—Bondage

Now look at this progression:
Jesus—Righteousness—Life—Faith—Freedom

The moment you put your faith in Jesus, you receive eternal life, the righteousness of God, and freedom. You are no longer under the reign of death, but you now "reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ."

DECLARATION OF FAITH

I rule over circumstances and situations. Sin, death, and fear have no hold over me for I reign in life through Jesus Christ. Jesus' victory over Satan has given me victory in every area of my life.

Source: 101 Days of Absolute Victory by Billy Joe Daugherty
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers