20 Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, 21 so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 5:20-21
Recap: before we get to that we will just recap one more time last week’s message from verses 18-19: Christ’s obedience over ruled Adam’s disobedience; and the sin that was imputed to us through Adam, Christ placed in himself on the cross and imputed his righteousness to all God’s many many many elect. This is Paul’s Big point.
Outline
- what the law is
- what is the Gospel (in comparison of the law)
- story of two kings
- instructions to both believers and unbelievers concerning the law
- exhortation towards the Christians life in grace
What is the law
- 10 commandments (Summation of all the Moral Law) How God’s people are commanded to act towards God and each other
- Ceremonial/ Civil Instructions (Leviticus- Deuteronomy) How God’s people are to act in the world they live in as His people separated and chosen
- Trespass increaser (Not trespass originator)
- Mirror
- Standard
What is the Gospel
- Grace abounding all the more
- Christ’s fulfillment of the law not the abolishment.
- Christ’s death according to the law. The whole of the law is a type of Christ.
- The increasing Sin of God’s elect is placed in Christ.
- God imputes Christ’s perfection of the law in us.
- Christ is raised from the dead, defeating death, establishing the covenant of grace, giving his righteousness to his people and giving them eternal life through Him alone.
The reign of sin is over and the reign of grace is here ( Two Kings.)
The Christian/ unbeliever’s life when he lives by the law
- Sin increases
- Death is your only security
- Adam is your federal head/ Covenant representative
The Christian’s life in grace
- Righteousness and right living in simple obedience to Christ’s word.
- Eternal life is a real security and assurance that can be looked forward to.
- Christ is your head and Lord