“MOREOVER THE LAW ENTERED THAT THE OFFENSE MIGHT ABOUND. BUT WHERE SIN ABOUNDED, GRACE ABOUNDED MUCH MORE.” —ROMANS 5:20
What a great example of God’s pursuing love.
God gave us the law, not merely to give us moral guidelines for living. He knew we couldn’t live up to His law. Instead, He teaches us through the law just how far we are from achieving perfection and total obedience.
We simply can’t do it. We’re too human!
In light of the law, our sins increase. If we are willing to be truthful and not live in denial, our awareness increases. Our sin abounds!
But the great news is that “where sin abounded, grace abounded much more.”
Our sins give God the opportunity to demonstrate His astonishing nature and character more profoundly than the law can ever do. Our failure to live under the law gives God the opportunity to extend His love toward us; even while we were sinners, Jesus died for us (Romans 5:8).
Grace abounds to undeserving sinners! The greater the sin, the great- er the grace.
But God’s grace offers much more than forgiveness. We are offered freedom from the power of sin and death. Grace restores our relationship and communion with God. We are given the ability to live the abundant life that Jesus promised to all who follow Him.
In the midst of our worst sins, God sends His Holy Spirit to teach us, convict us, and draw us toward Him.
And then He pours out His grace.
“I’m not surprised by vice. I’m surprised by virtue. Classical Christianity has always had a negative view of human nature…people are broken and fallen and frail. People plod along and make mistakes. But there is a message to all guilt-ridden humanity: there is saving grace and there can be release from that guilt, shame, and sin.” —Michael Cromartie
