Why did God allow the law to increase sin according to Romans 5:20? The Law as Divine Spotlight 1. Romans 3:20—“Through the Law we become conscious of sin.” 2. Galatians 3:24—“So the Law became our guardian to lead us to Christ.” Light exposes dust already floating in the air. In the same way, statutes reveal motives, thoughts, and actions previously rationalized or hidden. Amplifier of Visible Transgression • The Mosaic code converted latent rebellion into measured infractions (613 commands). • Cultic, civil, and moral stipulations quantified guilt: sacrifices (Leviticus 4), penalties (Deuteronomy 17), and ceremonial cleansings (Numbers 19). • Israel’s national history—judges, exiles, returns—records the escalating cycle of sin under Law, underscoring universal need (1 Kings 17–2 Kings 25; Nehemiah 9). Provocation Function: The Rebellious Nature Unmasked Romans 7:5–11 shows the Law stirring sinful impulses (“…sin, seizing the opportunity…,” v. 8). Like a “Do Not Touch” sign, prohibition awakens defiance in fallen hearts, exposing depravity’s depth. Preparation for Super-Abounding Grace • Typological sacrifices (Leviticus 16) foreshadowed the once-for-all Lamb (John 1:29). • Jeremiah 31:31–34 promised a new covenant wherein God would “remember their sins no more.” • By magnifying guilt, the Law magnified gratitude when Christ’s atonement satisfied its demands (Romans 8:3–4). Covenantal-Historical Arc: Adam → Moses → Christ Between Adam and Moses sin was in the world, yet without codified statute (Romans 5:13). The Mosaic Law closed loopholes, condemning every mouth (Romans 3:19) so that Christ, the second Adam, could be revealed as universal Redeemer (1 Corinthians 15:22). Educational Utility (παιδαγωγός, paidagōgos) Like a strict tutor, the Law disciplines (Galatians 3:23–25), guarding humanity until maturity arrives in Messiah. Psychology corroborates that firm boundaries highlight inner motives, catalyzing moral reflection and guiding development. Corporate Israel as Case Study Archaeological layers at Lachish and Jerusalem attest to Babylonian destruction (587 BC), matching 2 Kings 25. These strata confirm prophetic warnings (e.g., Jeremiah 25) and illustrate the Law’s covenant curses (Deuteronomy 28)—historical evidence of sin’s escalation under Law. The Law’s Built-In Grace Trajectory • Sacrificial system: blood on the mercy seat (Exodus 25:17–22) pictured propitiation (Romans 3:25). • Year of Jubilee (Leviticus 25) rehearsed redemption and freedom now actualized in Christ (Luke 4:18–21). Thus, while sin abounded, the Law simultaneously rehearsed the answer—grace. Objection: Did God Cause People to Sin? James 1:13 explicitly rejects divine causation of evil. The Law functions permissively, not causatively; it exposes rather than compels. Responsibility remains human; provision remains divine (Romans 8:32). Practical Outcomes • Self-righteousness collapses: no one “keeps” enough (Romans 3:10–12). • Evangelistic bridge: conviction sets the stage for the gospel’s remedy (Acts 2:37–38). • Sanctification: believers, freed from condemnation, fulfill the Law by the Spirit (Romans 8:4; Galatians 5:22–23). Summary God introduced the Law to multiply sin’s visibility, intensify humanity’s awareness of guilt, and thereby magnify the incomparable abundance of grace displayed in the crucified and risen Christ. Where the Law exposes, the gospel heals; where sin abounds, grace super-abounds. |
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