Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, 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)

The law cannot save us. In fact, Paul teaches us that it even increases our guilt before God. But the life, death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ caused such a radical and permanent change in human history that, where sin used to increase and dominate, God’s grace is now superabounding and surpasses sin.

The word of the Lord comforts and assures us. Because of Jesus, we have forgiveness of sins and freedom from the slavery of sin and death. United to Christ by faith, we have been transferred from the old Adamic age dominated by sin and into the new Messianic age dominated by superabounding grace. In Him, we have been justified (declared righteous in God’s court) and received His free gift of eternal life.

Therefore, fellow believers in Christ, let us forsake sin and live as free persons (because that is what we are in Him)… in superabounding grace, righteousness and life!

“Grace was poured so plentifully from heaven that it did not only counterbalance sin, but beyond this it surpassed it.” – Geneva Bible footnotes

“While sin is overflowing, [grace] pours itself forth so exuberantly, that it not only overcomes the flood of sin, but wholly absorbs it.” – John Calvin

“Death has its own dominion: humanity as determined, and dominated, by Adam. And in this dominion, sin is in control. But those who receive ‘the gift’ (v. 17) enjoy a transfer from this domain to another, the domain of righteousness, in which  grace reigns and where life is the eventual outcome.” – Douglas Moo

“As soon as the grace of Christ begins to prevail in any one, the reign of sin and death ceases.” – John Calvin