Scripture to Read: Romans 5:20–21
What an incredible week of learning from God and His Holy Word. Today, we read in Romans 5:20–21, “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.” When we first read this passage from God’s Word, we may think that God is saying that His Law came into being so that people would sin that much more. However, God has called us to accurately handle His Word of Truth (2 Timothy 2:15), so as we further examine His Word, we see that God is saying His Law made people more aware of how sinful we are. God’s Word never encourages us to sin, nor does His Word lead us to sin more. But God’s Word brings sin into His light and out of the darkness, where our sinfulness likes to hide. God wants us to know how sinful we are so we will stay in constant fellowship with Him and His Word. God also wants us to understand that no matter how sinful we are, His grace goes far beyond all of our sinfulness and sets us free from the power and penalty of our sinfulness. So, even though our sin always results in death, through our Lord Jesus Christ, God’s grace gives us the fullness of His righteousness. Through Christ’s righteousness in us, we inherit eternal life and again are set free from eternal death, suffering, and hell.
Challenge & Application
How do you see God’s grace abounding in your life each day because of what Christ has done for you?
How are you walking in the fullness of your freedom in Christ, and how are you sharing Him with others?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!