How does Romans 5:20 illustrate the relationship between law and grace? The Text “The law was brought in so that trespass might increase; but where sin increased, grace increased all the more.” (Romans 5:20) Law Magnifies Sin • The law doesn’t create sin; it exposes it. • Romans 7:7—“I would not have known what sin was had it not been for the law.” • Galatians 3:19—“Why then was the law given? It was added because of transgressions…” • By setting a clear, holy standard, the law reveals the depth of humanity’s rebellion. Grace Superabounds • “Grace increased all the more”—the Greek term huperperisseuō means “to overflow beyond measure.” • John 1:16–17—“From His fullness we have all received grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” • No matter how high the stack of sin, grace in Christ rises higher. Why God Gave the Law 1. To spotlight our need (Romans 3:20). 2. To restrain evil in society (1 Timothy 1:8–9). 3. To lead us to Christ as Tutor (Galatians 3:24). Once its tutoring work is done, the law hands us over to grace for salvation. Grace Meets Us at Our Worst • Ephesians 2:1–9 shows we were “dead in trespasses,” yet God acted “because of His great love.” • The greater the awareness of sin, the greater the appreciation of Christ’s sacrifice (2 Corinthians 5:21). Living in the Overflow of Grace • Reject self-righteous attempts to keep the law for acceptance (Galatians 5:4). • Walk by the Spirit, who fulfills the righteous requirement of the law in us (Romans 8:3–4). • Extend the same grace to others that God lavished on us (Colossians 3:13). Key Takeaways • Law reveals; grace redeems. • Exposure of sin is not God’s final word—grace is. • The gospel turns the darkest reality of sin into a stage for the brightest display of God’s mercy. |
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