Romans 5:20-21

 Scripture Verse

The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more, ²¹ so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

 ALL IS GRACE

Romans 5:20 – “The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase.”

What may come to the minds of readers who read the above passage for the first time, may be as Apostle Paul himself asks in Romans 6:1: “….then, shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?” Fortunately, he answers his own question saying: “By no means.”

We are also told in Romans 4:15 that there is law because “where there is no law, there is no transgression” (offence). That’s no law, no offence to be committed. But there is law hence transgressions occur. One important thing about the law is also to create awareness of sin. Romans 3:20 says: “Through the law we become conscious of our sin.”

What is expected of us after we have broken the law? And we are to face the consequence of our action? Definitely “sin will not go unpunished”

So, it is may not be farfetched to say God gave Israelites the law to be conscious of their sins, and to avoid sinning. But it was strange that before they were given the law they already ‘boasted’ that they could keep it. On getting it they failed woefully to keep the law and as a result they had to make yearly sacrifice for their sins. This of course could not match the penalty for gravity of their sins as stipulated by the law. “The law brings wrath”. Romans 4:15; “The wage of sin is death” Romans 6:23. This was much than they could afford. By extension all humans, those before, present and to come are victims of the sins of our forbearers for we have their DNA. (Psalm 51:5) states it better and clearer.

But for the Almighty God’s merciful, loving and caring nature, He tempers justice with mercy thus instead of His wrath He gave us grace; showing us that His grace is larger than our sins. It is for us to always recognize we were a bunch of sinners redeemed, and to show gratitude to the Holy Father for His grace, and to our Redeemer Jesus Christ. “So that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 5:21)

Prayer:

We thank and extol You the Almighty God for our salvation through, Jesus Christ. May your Spirit help us to always be aware of this great sacrifice by recognizing our sins and repent of it all. In Jesus’ name. Amen