Romans 5: 20 - 21 March 19, 2014

Alfred Shropshire     

Romans 5: 20 - 21       

March 19, 2014

Law was introduced in order to increase wrongdoing; but where sin increased, God’s grace increased much more. 21 So then, just as sin ruled by means of death, so God’s grace rules by means of righteousness, leading us to eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.

Adam introduced sin into the world by going against God’s will.  Death entered the world through sin because death is the penalty for sin (Gen. 2: 17).  Death spread then to all people because all people are descended from Adam – “In Adam all die” (I Cor. 15 – 22).  Between Adam and the time of Moses, there was sin in the world, but no accounting of sins was kept because there was no Law (Rom. 5: 13).  When the Law was introduced under Moses, it served to define what was “sinful” – it brought “sin” into the light of day by naming it.

Sin increased in the sense that it is now visible and evident.  But, once sin is defined, to continue in it is willful disobedience.  And, undoubtedly, sins increased because there were always those who felt delight in defying God.  This is still true today.

One act of righteousness, the obedience of Christ’s whole life, sacrificial death, and resurrection, supplanted sin’s death-hold on mankind, then and now.  ” . . . All will be raised to life because of their union with Christ” (I Cor. 15: 22).

Growing up in Pittsburgh, I am a lifelong Steelers fan.  On defense, Troy Polamalu mans the Steelers’ strong safety position, and the free safety is Ryan Clark.  It’s not unusual to see Troy making spectacular plays all over the field.  He often freelances because he knows that “Ryan has my back.”

Isn’t it great to know that when we freelance, God has our back?  Jesus is both, our “free” and our “strong” safety.  As Christians, we have the Bible as our Playbook, full of directions for being the players God desires us to be.

Prayer:  Thank you God for having our back, even when we bend, break, or defy the rules.  Thank you for providing the WAY for our restoration to your comfort, care, and grace.  Amen.