Grace That Overcomes Our Failures
Read Romans 5:20- “The Law came in so that the transgression would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more.”
This verse presents us with striking contrasts that demand our attention: sin versus grace and death versus life. Paul uses powerful phrases like “the Law came in,” “transgression would increase,” “sin increased,” and “grace abounded all the more.” These aren’t casual words—they carry eternal weight.
To understand verse 20, it helped me to look back at verse 19—one of Scripture’s cornerstone passages on justification. Justification means being declared righteous by God, and at Faith Bible Church we believe that this happens at a specific moment in time when someone believes in Jesus. Here’s what that belief encompasses: Jesus, the perfect Son of God, lived a life of complete obedience to the Father, then died an undeserved death to pay the price we deserved for our sin.
Why was the Law given to Israel? Not to decrease sin, but to provide a standard that would expose humanity’s rebellion. The Law acted like a spotlight, revealing just how far short we fall of God’s perfection. Rather than making people better, it made their need for a Savior undeniably clear. But here’s the beautiful truth: “where sin increased, grace abounded all the more.” This is Jesus winning decisively. Through His death, burial, and resurrection, He gives us undeserved favor—grace. His perfect life and sacrificial death give us life
When we say “I have new life in Christ,” we’re speaking of a profound reality with three dimensions:
1) Justification, or being declared righteous at the moment of belief.
2) Sanctification is our daily journey with Jesus through the Holy Spirit’s power. We’re being refined day by day to become more like Jesus.
3) Glorification is our final state—living forever in Jesus’ continual presence in heaven. Take time today to purposefully dwell on grace—the undeserved favor Jesus provides. The power of His grace should amaze us continually. Because of this grace and its effects on our lives, we can walk differently today.
To understand verse 20, it helped me to look back at verse 19—one of Scripture’s cornerstone passages on justification. Justification means being declared righteous by God, and at Faith Bible Church we believe that this happens at a specific moment in time when someone believes in Jesus. Here’s what that belief encompasses: Jesus, the perfect Son of God, lived a life of complete obedience to the Father, then died an undeserved death to pay the price we deserved for our sin.
Why was the Law given to Israel? Not to decrease sin, but to provide a standard that would expose humanity’s rebellion. The Law acted like a spotlight, revealing just how far short we fall of God’s perfection. Rather than making people better, it made their need for a Savior undeniably clear. But here’s the beautiful truth: “where sin increased, grace abounded all the more.” This is Jesus winning decisively. Through His death, burial, and resurrection, He gives us undeserved favor—grace. His perfect life and sacrificial death give us life
When we say “I have new life in Christ,” we’re speaking of a profound reality with three dimensions:
1) Justification, or being declared righteous at the moment of belief.
2) Sanctification is our daily journey with Jesus through the Holy Spirit’s power. We’re being refined day by day to become more like Jesus.
3) Glorification is our final state—living forever in Jesus’ continual presence in heaven. Take time today to purposefully dwell on grace—the undeserved favor Jesus provides. The power of His grace should amaze us continually. Because of this grace and its effects on our lives, we can walk differently today.
Reflection Questions:
- How does understanding the Law’s purpose change your view of God’s standard
- In what ways have you experienced the “abounding” nature of God’s grace in your own life?
- How does understanding the three dimensions of salvation—justification, sanctification, and glorification—help you further appreciate God’s grace? If you have questions about these, please reach out to a pastor or elder, as we would love to help.
Posted in Free- by the Grace of God
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