Subscription Lists

Sin abounded; grace abounded much more! This is the essence of Paul’s closing statement in Romans 5. Hear Paul’s (but more properly the Holy Spirit’s) words: “Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 5.20-21; emphasis mine - jb).

This is the fifth usage of the English phrase much more in Romans 5 (see verses 9,10,15,17, and 20). This final usage is a different Greek phrase from the other four, but it is none the less intriguing and filled with meaning. Our thoughts today will center around this phrase and its meaning in the context of the focus text.

Notice that one purpose of the law was “that the offense might abound.” In another passage, Paul stated that the law was given in order that “through the commandment [sin] might become exceedingly sinful.” (Romans 7.13). In both passages, God is trying to impress us with the terrible nature of sin, of it’s potential lethal grip upon the hearts of men, and of the horrific consequences that sin exacts from those who remain stained by its guilt. In today’s focus text, it seems that Paul wants us to see that there simply is no way that we can obtain righteousness through a set of laws. Rather, the law just causes us all the more to see our sins. We try, but no matter how hard we try, sin’s guilt remains an every day reality in our lives.

As He has done in every age, however, God came to man’s rescue. As the centuries passed in Israel, it became more and more obvious that something other than the law was needed; the extent of their guilt multiplied rather than decreasing! To put it exactly as Paul did, “sin abounded.” Literally, it existed in abundance! Here is where the “much more” statement of this text comes into play. “But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more…” A. T. Robertson in his New Testament Word Pictures calls this phrase “a strong word.” Additionally he says that there are both comparative and superlative word forms used, but that the word chosen by Paul in this text “goes the superlative one better.” Then finally Robertson says, “The flood of grace surpassed the flood of sin, great as that was (and is).”

Yesterday in commenting on God’s actions through the gospel, we stated that God “simply will not be bested by sin; neither will He allow His creation to be defeated if they will but cooperate with Him.” Today’s text demonstrates this about God. He pursues His creation relentlessly. Even after we have said no, He continues to come back and again to humanity. The consequences are too drastic to simply turn away and permit us to die in sin with no hope of reprieve. Hence, “grace abounded much more!” One of the beauties of grace is seen in its relentless pursuit. It never forces, but it never gives up so long as there is life and breath. God’s wonderful grace may be far too marvelous for us to understand, but it is not too wonderful for us to receive. Like ten thousand other blessings from His hand, I do not have to understand it in order to benefit from and glory in it!

Perhaps your interest in God’s grace has been piqued by this series; my fondest hope is that it has been. Don’t allow that interest to die. Pursue Him! The scriptures teach it will be but a short chase. He has already journeyed more than half way toward you, much more than half way!

Questions:

1. How did the law make sin abound? How did it make sin appear exceedingly sinful?

2. What positive results can the knowledge of guilt have in our lives? How and when can feelings of guilt become counter-productive in our lives?

3. What did God do so that these feeling of guilt can be allayed?

4. Why do I say that God has already journeyed more than half way to meet the sinner who seeks Him? What biblical evidence is there that this is the case?

"'Winging It" from Stan Smith

Moralism