A Study of Romans (20)

Grace Reigns

So as we finish this chapter we continue to focus on the legacy of Christ;

Notice the key words - grace and eternal life which oppose the key words of v. 12-14 which were sin and death;

So Paul pointed out that the reign sin and death are sin’s consequence;

Yet now he is focusing on, for our realization, that grace has triumphed sin and death;

Grace Abounds

Paul says -”the law entered that the offence might abound”;

The Book of Romans The Reign of Grace (Verses 20, 21a)

Do not hastily misunderstand this statement. It does not mean that there was more sin after the Mosaic Law was given than before. It does mean that the knowledge and awareness of sin was increased by the giving of the Law.

Paul is sharing the purpose of the Law - so let’s let the Bible speak for it’s self;

Romans 3:19-20, Galatians 3:19, and Romans 7:13

Prior to the Mosaic Law sin was very vague to people, how ever the Mosaic Law showed how man was sinful - making a clear case;

Oh how wonderful to know that grace out runs sin;

The Book of Romans The Reign of Grace (Verses 20, 21a)

If sin flowed free, grace overflowed. Grace flooded out sin. Grace outabounded sin. Sin in all its abundance is no match for the grace of God.

Grace Reigned

How exciting to know that grace can out drive sin;

The Book of Romans The Reign of Grace (Verses 20, 21a)

Sin abounded and grace superabounded (20). Sin reigned, but grace took over the throne and reigned instead (21a).

Romans 5:12 and Romans 5:14

The Book of Romans The Reign of Grace (Verses 20, 21a)

In other words universal subjection to death proves that sin has reigned universally. Death is unavoidable; it rules the race and mankind is not able to avoid its clutches or the sin that keeps it in dominion.

However through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ - grace has defeated sin and death:

The Book of Romans The Reign of Grace (Verses 20, 21a)

Those who put their faith in Him find themselves delivered from the dominion of sin and under the control of God’s gracious dealings. Paul will say more about this in the next chapter.

Results of Grace

There a two evident results of the victory of grace

Righteousness - a deliverance from the rule of sin - Jesus paid our sin debt, our penalty, to break the power of sin;

Because of this we are presented, once you accept Jesus, as innocent and redeemed before God;

Eternal Life - while sin brings about death - acceptance of Jesus Christ breaks the bondage of spiritual death;

The Book of Romans The Results of Grace (Verse 21b)

Most of all, the assurance of eternal life, as opposed to eternal death, is clear evidence that grace has reigned. The results of justification by faith in Christ’s blood are indeed superior to the results of Adam’s sin and humanity’s participation in that sin and its consequences.