The Gift That Overflows

“Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” – Romans 5:20-21

Romans 5 draws a powerful contrast between Adam and Christ—not just in what they did, but in what their actions produced. Adam’s disobedience brought death to all, while Christ’s obedience brought life to all who believe. It’s easy to feel frustrated by Adam’s failure. We weren’t there in the Garden, and yet we inherited the consequences. But as Warren Wiersbe wisely said, God’s plan was not only fair—it was gracious. If each of us had been tested individually, we would have failed just the same. But because we are united in Adam, we can also be united in Christ. That’s the beauty of redemption. We are better off in Jesus than we ever could have been in an unfallen Adam. In Christ, we are heirs of God, joint-heirs with Him, and promised a home in heaven. The pressure of performance is not on us—it was placed on Jesus, and He fulfilled it perfectly.

Paul then brings us to the conclusion: the law was given not to fix sin, but to expose it. “Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more” (Romans 5:20). The law is like a spotlight—it doesn’t create the dirt, it just reveals it. Think of a sign that says “wet paint.” The moment you see it, something in you wants to touch it. That’s the nature of sin. We rebel. We want to be in charge. But the law was never meant to save us—it was meant to lead us to the Savior. Galatians 3:24 says, “Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.” The more sin is exposed, the more we realize our need for grace. And the good news is that grace doesn’t just meet us—it overflows.

Look at Israel’s history. Their sin abounded—idolatry, rebellion, even crucifying their own Messiah. Yet Jesus still said, “Father, forgive them.” That’s abounding grace. And it’s the same grace offered to you. Think of your own sins—every act, every thought, every failure. If you are in Christ, the slate is clean. If you’re not, it can be wiped clean in a moment. You weren’t there when Adam sinned, but you bear the consequences. You weren’t there when Jesus died, but you can receive the benefits. That’s the liberating truth of the gospel. You don’t earn it. You receive it. And once you do, you’ll find rest—not in your performance, but in His perfection. Let that truth lead you beside still waters today. Let it quiet your soul and set you free.

“The love of God is not a mere sentiment. It is a mighty principle, reigning through righteousness unto eternal life. Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound—not to tolerate sin, but to triumph over it.” – Thomas Chalmers