Romans 5:12-20
…for sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law. (v. 13) This is an intriguing statement. The Law is not given in Scripture until Exodus 20, yet there is plenty of “sin” in Genesis, for example, Sodom and Gomorrah; Judah and Tamar; Joseph’s brothers; etc. But those “sins” are not counted (“imputed” in the NASB). I’m not sure what verse 13 means. That there was wrongdoing, but God would not hold them accountable…? Strange!
| One man, Adam | One Man, Jesus |
| Sin | Grace |
| Condemnation | Forgiveness, Righteousness |
| Death | Life, Justification |
| Judgment | Eternal Life |
…where sin increased, grace abounded all the more. (v. 20b) I can’t say that this is one of my favorite verses, but it is a compelling statement. Paul has said the same thing in similar fashion (but less eloquently) in verse 16b: For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification. As mankind increased, sin naturally increased. But that grace offered by Jesus is offered to all people for all time. So increased sin and many trespasses cannot equal the infinite goodness, the infinite redemption from Jesus’ sacrifice and His shed blood. Infinite goodness is greater than finite wrongdoings.
Slava Bohu!
Thanks Fred for your daily meditations. I am struggling with a lot of Romans, to understand. To me it seems convoluted and often repetitive. With your help, this is the first time I have tried to really grapple with it.