Abundant Grace in Christ

Have you ever received an inheritance—something passed down to you that you didn’t ask for? Maybe it was an heirloom, a financial gift, or even a family trait—good or bad. Some things we inherit are blessings, but others feel more like burdens.

Imagine a family where a rare genetic disease runs through generations. No matter how careful or healthy the next generation tries to be, they are born with this condition. It wasn’t their choice, but it became their reality. In many ways, this is how sin entered the world. Through Adam, sin and death were passed down to every human being. We didn’t ask for it, and we couldn’t stop it. But the good news is that Jesus Christ brought something far greater than the disease of sin—He brought the cure.

Today, as we look at Romans 5:12-21, we will see two contrasting legacies: Adam’s legacy of sin and death and Christ’s legacy of grace and life. Paul paints a picture of how sin entered the world, how it spread to all, and how, through Christ, grace now reigns over sin.

This passage forces us to ask a crucial question: Under whose reign are we living? Are we still bound under the curse of Adam, or have we stepped into the reign of grace through Jesus Christ? My prayer is that today, we will see not only the weight of our sin but the overwhelming abundance of God’s grace. Because where sin increased, grace increased all the more.

God with me to Romans 5:12-21

Romans 5:12–21 NIV

12 Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned— 13 To be sure, sin was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not charged against anyone’s account where there is no law. 14 Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who did not sin by breaking a command, as did Adam, who is a pattern of the one to come. 15 But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many! 16 Nor can the gift of God be compared with the result of one man’s sin: The judgment followed one sin and brought condemnation, but the gift followed many trespasses and brought justification. 17 For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ! 18 Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people. 19 For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous. 20 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.

The Entrance of Sin and Death

Adam gets the well deserved blame for sin entering the world.

Sin entered the world when he disobeyed God and ate of the tree that he was not supposed to eat of.

Adam’s sin didn’t just affect his life but it affected everyone’s life after his. Sin brought death into this world. There was nothing that any of us could do to keep sin from spreading.

As we read a few weeks ago in Romans 3:23

Romans 3:23 NIV

23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Each of us sin and we have Adam to thank for allowing sin to enter the world.

However, we have hope. That hope is found in Jesus.

The Abundance of Grace in Christ

The gift of grace through Christ far exceeds the devastation of sin through Adam.

Romans 5:15 NIV

15 But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many!

Yes sin is ugly and bad and awful. But Jesus is far greater and exceeds any sin that may come against you.

Fire Bible Chapter 5

If human sin could cause that much death and destruction, how much more can God’s salvation provide life and restoration.

How many of you currently have debt or at one point in your life you have had debt? My guess is most of us have now or have had at some point in your life. Debt is burdensome. It keeps you from gaining wealth.

So, can you imagine if someone replaced your financial debt and replaced it with limitless wealth. That would be amazing to be able to go to the store and buy whatever you needed. The possibilities would be limitless.

When Christ came and died on the cross to replace sins, when we believed in Him, we received eternal life. Our sin was bought and paid for by Jesus.

We must embrace the truth that God’s grace is greater than all our sin and that in Christ, we reign in life rather than being subject to death.

The Reign of Grace and Righteousness

Here is something to think about

Christ’s obedience brings justification and eternal life, overcoming Adam’s disobedience.

Adam disobeyed God and sin came, but Christ being obedient to the father brought justification and eternal life to us all.

How many of you have ever watched a river when it rises and moves through an area? It will wash out whatever may be in its path. There is a powerful force behind a river.

This is a great way to think about the mercy of God. When Jesus died for our sins, a river of mercy washed away the stain of sin.

You must live in the assurance that grace reigns over sin and death, leading us into righteousness and eternal life through Jesus Christ.

Mercy and Grace wins over sin every time.

Let me finish by giving you something to take with you.

Adam brought sin and death, but Christ brings grace and life. We must choose whether to remain under Adam or to embrace the reign of grace through Christ.

I choose Christ.

This week I want you to acknowledge the effects that sin has on mankind. I also want you to acknowledge that we need the redemption of Christ to overcome sin.

If you haven’t already, I want you to trust in Christ’s righteousness and receive the free gift of Grace.

As you walk this week with the Lord, live in the power of Christ’s victory.

Communion

As we remember Christ this morning, let us understand what he went through.