“God’s law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God’s wonderful grace became more abundant.” Romans 5:20 NLT  

Rom. 5:20 teaches us that no matter how great his sin is; God’s grace is not only sufficient but superabundant. Grace abounded all the more, Paul says! The first part of the text picks up Paul’s theme throughout Romans – the law’s role is to identify sin and condemn it. That function brings a sense of guilt in its train, and it is gnawing guilt that drives men and women to Jesus at the foot of the cross. What do they find? They discover a God willing to give them what they don’t deserve (grace). But the good news is that he doesn’t dispense it with an eyedropper. On the contrary, as Paul notes, He pours it out abundantly.  

He does not withhold it because of our sin. If someone offends me, I am tempted to withdraw from that person and to restrain any natural generosity I might feel toward them. But not God. He never withholds grace because of sin. Rather, He pours out His grace to deal with that sin. Thus, as the NIV translates Romans 5:20: “Where sin increased, grace increased all the more.” His grace is not in short supply.   

Have you ever felt that you were in the midst of a great battle, a kind of struggle between good and evil? Well, it’s true, you are! Vs 20-21 tell us that life is being played out on two levels. The great controversy between Christ and satan is taking place on a global – in fact, even a cosmic level, because it all began in heaven (Rev.12:7). On a personal level, we face faith challenges almost every day. Yet in the confusion of events, we can easily lose the big picture of God’s escape plan for this world. Wars, political unrest, pandemics, and natural disasters can hold our attention. That’s the short-term distraction. But God’s prophetic guidance can help us keep in mind the big picture of where we are going and how we will get there.  “Grace also reigns through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” V21. Grace is more than an attitude of God, it is a power that reaches out to save those, who apart from the power of grace would perish.