HIS GRACE IS ENOUGH: The Sufficiency of Abounding Grace for Sin’s Condemnation

For the fifth and final time in verse twenty of Romans chapter five, Paul uses this expression, “much more.” He says, "Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more” [emphasis added].

Yes, sin abounds—it’s everywhere and in everyone. But, where sin abounds, grace abounds “much more.” That is the sufficiency of abounding grace!

It is more than sufficient FOR SIN’S CONDEMNATION. Paul speaks of how God’s holy law condemns us—nothing wrong with the law—it is as perfect as the God who gave it. The problem is with us—that it merely exposes us as the lawbreakers we are.

In fact, far from being able to make us righteous, it inspires our wicked hearts to do evil—the offense abounds as Paul says. I recall my first trip to Disneyworld. We came to a part of the Magic Kingdom where you walked across a wooden bridge, suspended by cables, across a small lagoon. This gave a bit of a bounce in your step, but there was a warning clearly posted, “Do not jump on the bridge.” Why, the thought would have never entered my mind! But, as soon as I read it, guess what I felt compelled to do? Of course, the problem wasn’t with the sign, nor with the one who posted it, but with my bent to rebellion. So it is with God’s holy law. The issue isn’t with the law, neither the One who gave it, but with the nature of Adam which we all share.

Therefore, in large ways and small, we are all sinners and sin condemns us to death. That’s terrible news! But God’s grace is greater than all our sin! That is terrific news! He forgives us and cleanses us, so that "there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus"! (Romans 8:1)