How does Romans 5:20 connect to Ephesians 2:8-9 on salvation by grace? Grace That Grows Bigger Than Our Sin “The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase… but where sin increased, grace increased all the more” (Romans 5:20). Why Did God Let Sin Increase? • The law acts like a bright light in a messy room—showing every speck of dust. • By exposing sin, the law removes all excuses (Romans 3:19). • Seeing our need drives us to seek God’s remedy: overflowing grace. Grace on Display in Romans 5:20 • “Grace increased all the more” tells us God never runs out of mercy. • The Greek word super-abounded paints a picture of grace piling up higher than our worst failures. • This sets the stage for the cross, where Christ paid in full (Romans 5:21; 2 Corinthians 5:21). Ephesians 2:8-9—Same Grace, Same Overflow “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith… it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8). “Not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:9). • Grace saves; faith simply receives. • Works cannot add to what Christ finished (John 19:30). • Boasting is silenced because salvation is a gift, not a paycheck (Romans 4:4-5). Connecting the Dots 1. Romans 5:20 shows grace towering over sin; Ephesians 2:8-9 shows that same grace delivering salvation. 2. Both passages highlight our inability and God’s sufficiency. 3. The law magnifies sin (Romans 5:20); the gospel magnifies grace (Ephesians 2:8-9). Other Verses That Sing the Same Song • Romans 3:24 — “and are justified freely by His grace…” • Titus 3:5 — “He saved us, not by works of righteousness that we had done…” • Galatians 3:24 — “The law became our guardian to lead us to Christ…” • John 1:16 — “From His fullness we have all received grace upon grace.” Take-Home Truths • The more we grasp the depth of our sin, the more we cherish the abundance of His grace. • Salvation Isaiah 100 percent God-given, 0 percent earned. • Confidence rests not in our performance but in Christ’s finished work. |
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