Romans 5:20
Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:
Romans 5:20
This verse introduces the Mosaic Law and its role: where sin increased, grace overflowed even more. The law reveals sin’s depth by setting God’s standards; it does not empower righteousness but makes sin more conspicuous. The phrase “where sin abounded, grace did much more abound” emphasizes the superabundant nature of divine grace, surpassing human sin’s measure. The context includes the law’s purpose, the problem of sin, and the solution by grace in Christ. Paul’s argument seeks to prevent condemnation by teaching that the law exposes sin yet grace provides pardon and transformation through faith.
Grace exceeding sin ensures that the Christian’s relationship to the law is not one of fear but of grateful dependency on God’s grace. It preserves the possibility of transformation: grace abounds to bring about righteousness and life. The verse guards against antinomianism (doing whatever you want because grace covers it) by highlighting the law’s intended role: to drive us to Christ and to reveal our need for grace.
When you sense the weight of guilt under conviction, remember grace is greater. Practical steps: name the sin, confess, and lean into Jesus’s sufficiency. Let the law’s exposure drive you to deeper trust in grace, not to self-justifying excuses. Use the awareness of sin as motivation to pursue spiritual disciplines—Scripture, prayer, accountability—that cultivate true repentance and growth. Share with others how grace has met your failures and transformed your patterns of living.
Cross-References: Galatians 3:19-29; Romans 3:20; Romans 4:15; Titus 2:11-14; Hebrews 7:18-19