Romans 5:20-21 - Grace reigns

20 The Law came in so that the transgression would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more,
21 so that, as sin reigned in death, even so grace would reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Grace Abounded All the More

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V. 20 - “The Law came in so that the transgression would increase” - Not that the Law caused people to sin more or worse. People were now aware of what actions were sinful, because they were spelled out. For example, you probably were not very aware of what a speed limit is (other than your mother telling your father he is driving over the speed limit). But when you were ready to get your own drivers license you found there are speed limits everywhere! In towns, 25 MPH; on highways, 55 MPH; on freeways, 65 MPH; around schools, 20 MPH. Now you know, and you know when you are breaking that law.

“but where sin increased” - As people were made aware of sin, the realization of their lost condition became more profound. If you think you have only sinned a little bit, then you tend to think you only need a little bit of grace. When you begin to see how vast and how deep are the breadths and the depths of you sin nature, you begin to realize all is lost and hopeless. If you owe the bank $20 for a bounced check, that’s one thing. If you owe $20 million, how do you pay that? If you owe God your life because of your sin, what can you do? God’s grace is there for the little white lie. Grace is there for the anger and hate. Grace is there for the rebellion against Him. God gave Himself to cover all the sin of the world. His grace is greater than all our sin.

Marvelous, infinite matchless grace, freely bestowed on all who believe!
You that are longing to see His face, Will you this moment His grace receive?

Chorus
Grace, grace, God’s grace, Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God’s grace, Grace that is greater than all our sin!
Hymn by Johnston & Towner

V. 21 - “So that, sin reigned in death” - This verse echoes verse 17, above. Death commands our attention and fears. Death is the result of sin. Sin is the driving factor in all of our activities and life on earth. Sin reigns. James Madison (one of the authors of the U. S. Constitution) said, “If men were angels, no government would be necessary... “ Laws are necessary to control the government and the actions of men.

I am a big fan of science fiction (as mentioned another time), and also of mystery stories. The science fiction writers are peering into the future and speculating on the condition and actions of mankind. Not many of the authors have a positive outlook on the behavior of humans. Likewise, there are almost no Christian protagonists. Finding other planets, or other sentient life forms, does not change the anger, hate, greed, jealousy, rebellion - sin - in mankind. The future is no better than the present - because sin reigns. The authors will not acknowledge that sin is the problem. Likewise, there is no solution to the sin. Sin reigns. Death reigns as a result.

The outlook for mystery writers is much the same. There are no believers in the fictional private investigator professions. Sin reigns, Death follows.

“even so grace would reign” - As sin and death grow and spread, God’s grace is there. It is always greater than sin and death. You and I see the grace for us - as little or as much as we need. I am not sure we are aware of how much greater is God’s grace than our need.

God’s Grace is greater than sin and death. God is greater than all - men, women, angels, planets, stars, galaxies, the universe.
God’s righteousness is greater than all. God’s righteousness is given through His grace to us.
God’s righteousness is demonstrated by the gift of His Son who died for us. He was the sacrifice that paid the penalty for all sin.
God’s righteousness is in you when you have Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. That gives you the gift of eternal life. No second death; no eternal separation from God’s glory.
Grace reigns. Righteousness and eternal life are yours in Jesus Christ. There is no other way.
“And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12) 
 Grace Reigns!
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End of Chapter