Where sin abounds Grace much more abounds!

The Bible tells us in Romans 5: 20, “Where sin abounds, Grace much more abounds!” But let me give this scripture to you in the New Living Translation version, it really becomes potentate here, “God's law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God's wonderful grace became more abundant.”

Are you as “Wowed” by this scripture as I was? Paul is literally saying God provided the law only so that people could see how sinful they really were. Now understand that He wanted people to see how sinful they were not to make them shame, punish them, make them feel guilty or condemned; because if He did then He wouldn’t have said in Romans 8:1, “Therefore there is now no condemnation to those in Christ Jesus who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” God provided the law so that we could see that we needed Him, and that without Him we would not have remission of our sins and we would be doomed to a life and death of living hell.

Now part B of Romans 5:20 is where things really get good. “But as people sinned more and more, God’s wonderful GRACE became more abundant!” Yes, you heard it right, the more we sin the more God’s grace is given to us. Now does this mean we should then go on and live a life of sin so that we continue to get God’s grace? In the words of Paul, “Certainly not!” Even though we are given God’s unconditional Grace, it is this grace that in turn changes a true Christian’s heart (this is called repentance) and gives them the desire to not sin against God.

Here is the catch 22 with most people; once we are saved, we then begin to think okay then so now I have to go out here and strive not sin; NO, it is not in you focusing on yourself and trying not to sin that Christ is well pleased, that is why He died, He knew you couldn’t do it in your own strength, it is when you do not have faith in Christ’s finished work that He is not pleased. The Bible tells us in Hebrews 11:6, “Without faith it is impossible to please God!” You see it is not in the sinning that God is displeased with us, but it is when we display a lack of faith in Him.

Grace is such an awesome Gift from God; and the more we focus on it and receive it from God the more Freeing, and abundant our lives will become! The Bible tells us in Romans 2:4, “It is the goodness of God that brings us to repentance”. Not the focusing on, pointing of fingers or chastisement of our sins. But it is focusing on God’s goodness, His love and His mercy and His Grace that will eventually bring all to desire to not sin against Him. So I say to you without remorse in my speech, stop focusing on your sins and start focusing on God’s abundant Grace, because in the words of Paul, “Where sin abounds, Grace much more abounds!” 

Forever In His Grace!

Toinette Neube