Romans 5:17-21, "For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord."
Let's begin by saying that I make no apologies for declaring:
The the Bible is the inspired, inerrant, and perfect Word of God. It is our sole authority in all matters of faith and practice.
Jesus Christ is the sinless and perfect Son of God who died for the sins of every person who has ever lived and ever will live. He rose from the dead, ascended to Heaven and is coming back again someday.
Salvation is by grace plus nothing and minus nothing. We cannot earn God's acceptance, favor, or forgiveness by any merit of our own. God's acceptance of us is based solely on God's grace as given in the Gospel of Jesus Christ through faith.
The book of Romans is a divinely given theology book on the doctrine of salvation by grace. "Grace" is referred to 50 times in Paul's writings, 20 times in the book of Romans, and 6 times in Romans chapter 5 (more than any other chapter in the Bible).
Salvation by grace through faith is a thoroughly Biblical doctrine.
Notice three observations from Romans chapter 5.
Notice the Effect of the Law. (v. 20a) - "Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound..." God's law does not remove our sin. Galatians 3:11, "But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident..." God's law does not increase sin! If it did, it wouldn't be holy. However, God's law does reveal our sin. Romans 3:20, "...for by the law is the knowledge of sin." God's law makes us conscious of our sin. Romans 7:7, "...I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet." We were sinners long before we realized it (Psalm 51:5), and I'm afraid we are much worse sinners than we realize. The law of God reveals just how sinful we actually are. The law of God reveals just how sinful our sin actually is. In revealing how sinful we really are, the law reveals to us how desperately we need a Savior! Galatians 3:24, "Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith."
Notice the Abundance of Sin. (v.20b), "...But where sin abounded..." The word "abounded" has the idea of "increasing to a great abundance; to superabound." Once sin entered humanity, it spread like wildfire. Within one generation we had rebellion, murder, polygamy, and more. Within the next 1600 years, sin was so abundant that God judged the entire world with a devastating and universal flood (Genesis 6:5-8). Sin is never static or stagnant. Sin always spreads and abounds. The more I understand God's law and His holiness, the more I realize how sinful I am, how much sin "abounds" in my heart and life.
Notice the Super-Abundance of God's Grace. (v.20c), "... grace did much more abound:" All throughout history there have been two powerful spiritual forces working on the hearts and souls of mankind: Sin and Grace. Sin is used by Satan to destroy and damn mankind to Hell. Grace is offered by God to save and redeem us. The only counter to sin is the grace of God. Grace is God's free offer of complete and eternal forgiveness and pardon from sin.
It is said that Billy Graham was driving through a small southern town and was stopped by a policeman and charged with speeding. He admitted his quilt, but was told by the officer that he would have to appear in court.
The judge asked, "Guilty, or not guilty?" When he pleaded guilty, the judge replied, "That'll be ten dollars -- a dollar for every mile you went over the limit."
Suddenly the judge recognized the famous minister. "You have violated the law," he said. "The fine must be paid--but I am going to pay it for you." He took a ten dollar bill from his own wallet, attached it to the ticket, and then took the preacher out and bought him a steak dinner! That is how the abounding grace of God works towards you and I as sinners.

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