Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound

The first verse of our passage marks a turning point in this first section of Romans. Up to this point there has been an emphasis on guilt because of sins, and of God’s answer founded upon the blood of Christ. The emphasis from now until the end of chapter 8 is more on what we were, rather than what we had done, and the answer for that is found in the death of Christ.

Our passage presents two men, each of whom is the head of a race of men. The first man, Adam, is the fallen head of a fallen race. By his offence, v. 15, sin, v. 16, disobedience, v. 19, and transgression of the one law God had given him, v. 14, sin and death were introduced into the world. The results for his race were devastating. By a principle of headship that was operating, the race sinned in Adam, v. 12; death reigned, even over those who lived between Adam and Moses who had not received any direct law from God, v. 14; there was judgement to condemnation, v. 16; death reigned, v. 17. There is truly no hope for man apart from the intervention of God, in Christ.

We thank God, however, that there was another Man, the second Man, the Lord out of heaven. Everything about Him is in contrast to Adam. In contrast to Adam’s disobedience in Eden our Lord’s one act of obedience, v. 19, at Calvary produced righteousness for His people. This is a gift of God’s grace, v. 15, despite their many offences, v. 16, with the effect that they shall reign, in the future, in the full enjoyment of eternal life, v. 17. From the moment of conversion they are no longer linked to Adam and all the baneful effects of his failure, but to Christ and all the glorious effects of His finished work.

Grace is magnificent. When the law entered the offence abounded. The law of Sinai showed sin in its true character as an offence against God, and it abounded in the heart of man, which was rebellious to the revealed will of God for man, and in the actions of man. Yet, where sin abounded grace super-abounded, with the result that though sin had reigned unto death, grace now reigns through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord, v. 21.