Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

November 11, 2001

Series: Romans Chapter 5

“GRACE GREATER THAN OUR SIN”

Romans 5:20-21

And the Law came in that the transgression might increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, that, as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

In this final section of Roman 5 Paul talks about two reigns: the reign of sin and the reign of grace. First then, the reign of sin under the law.

He really gives to us the essential purpose of bringing in the law. “The Law came in so that the transgression would increase.” That is to say, the law came with all of it commands and restrictions so that, in the light of the Holy Law of God, the transgression (our sins) might loom large. The Law is, then, the revelation of God’s character.

But with the increase of the revelation of what sin is all about, under the illumination of the Law, grace abounded all the more. Grace surpassed sin. The contrast now grows greater, as sin reigned in death. The only possible conclusion is that sin ends in death.

Even so, by way of contrast, grace (in Jesus Christ) would reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord – the only possible conclusion.

What a thrilling reality! God’s marvelous grace reigns daily in the lives of God’s children! Sin is no longer king in my life and your life, beloved. Grace is now king.

Are you still struggling under some sin that refuses to let go of its control in your life? Reflect upon this great liberation passage in Romans 5.

So this chapter begins with the peace of God through justification:

Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (v. 1).

and concludes with the grace of God reigning through righteousness:

. . . so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (v. 21).

which naturally leads us to chapter 6 where all of this wonderful truth is explained further. God bless.

Love to you all,