Meaning of Romans 5:20

The Apostle Paul, in Romans 5:20, articulates a profound theological paradox: the Mosaic Law, intended to guide Israel and reveal God's righteousness, paradoxically served to increase the awareness and manifestation of sin. This is not to suggest the Law was inherently evil or ineffective; rather, its function was to expose the pervasive nature of human sinfulness by providing a standard against which transgression could be measured. However, the ultimate purpose of this revelation of sin was not condemnation but to highlight the immeasurable abundance of God's grace, which far surpasses the magnitude of sin. Where humanity's trespasses multiplied, God's redemptive power and unmerited favor were made even more evident and available through Jesus Christ.

Context and Background

This verse is situated within Paul's extended argument in Romans concerning salvation by grace through faith. Chapters 1-3 establish the universality of sin and humanity's inability to achieve righteousness through their own efforts or adherence to the Law. Chapter 4 demonstrates that righteousness was imputed to Abraham by faith, before the Law was given. Chapter 5 then contrasts the destructive reign of sin and death inherited from Adam with the victorious reign of grace and righteousness brought by Christ. Romans 5:20, therefore, serves as a crucial bridge, explaining the historical role of the Law in this grand narrative of redemption. The Law, given at Sinai, did not eliminate sin but rather made its presence and severity undeniable.

Key Themes and Messages

• The Law's Function: The Law's primary role, as presented here, is revelatory. It acts as a diagnostic tool, exposing the depth of human rebellion and the extent of our sin. It defines sin and, by extension, makes it more apparent.
• The Abundance of Grace: The central message is the overwhelming superiority of God's grace over human sin. The Law's amplification of sin serves to magnify the glory and power of God's grace, which is far more potent in its redemptive capacity.
• God's Sovereign Plan: This verse underscores God's sovereign plan for salvation. Even the Law, with its seemingly paradoxical effect, ultimately serves His overarching redemptive purposes, leading humanity to recognize their need for Christ.

Spiritual Significance and Application

For believers, Romans 5:20 offers immense comfort and assurance. It means that no matter how great our sin or how many our failures, God's grace is always greater. This understanding liberates us from the crippling weight of guilt and self-condemnation, allowing us to rest in God's abundant forgiveness. It also encourages a deeper appreciation for Christ's sacrifice, recognizing that it was sufficient to overcome the totality of sin, however magnified by the Law. This truth should inspire humility, gratitude, and a renewed commitment to living in the freedom and power of God's grace.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This verse is integral to the unfolding narrative of God's relationship with humanity. From the Fall in Genesis, sin entered the world, and its consequences were evident. The Law, given through Moses, was a temporary measure to govern Israel and prepare them for the coming Messiah. It highlighted the inability of humanity to keep God's perfect standard, thus pointing to the need for a perfect Redeemer. The New Testament, particularly the ministry of Jesus and the teachings of Paul, presents Christ's atoning work as the ultimate solution to sin, establishing a new covenant where grace reigns supreme. Romans 5:20 bridges the Old Covenant and the New, showing how the former, in its limitations, paved the way for the latter's boundless grace.

Analogies

One analogy to understand this is a doctor diagnosing an illness. A doctor might use diagnostic tests (the Law) that reveal the extent and severity of a disease (sin). While the diagnosis might seem alarming, it is crucial for administering the correct and effective treatment (grace through Christ). The tests don't cause the disease, but they make its presence undeniable, thus leading to the application of healing. Another analogy is a magnifying glass; it doesn't create the flaws on a surface, but it makes them much more visible, emphasizing the need for repair.

Relation to Other Verses

• Romans 3:20: "For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin." This verse directly supports the idea that the Law's primary function was to reveal sin, not to provide justification.
• 1 Corinthians 15:56: "The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law." This verse echoes the theme that the Law, by defining sin, gives sin its power to condemn.
• Galatians 3:19: "Why then the law? It was added to make transgressions visible, until the offspring should come to whom the promise had been made..." This verse aligns with the idea that the Law was a temporary measure to expose sin until Christ's arrival.
• 1 John 1:7: "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin." This verse contrasts the cleansing power of Christ's blood with the persistent reality of sin, highlighting the sufficiency of grace.