Romans 5:20-21 Moreover the law entered, that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: 1. THE TRIUMPHS OF SIN. 1. As they regard the material world. Sin has altered its character — defaced its beauty — tarnished its splendour. Disorder has been introduced, and various evils have been realised. 2. As they regard the moral nature of man. If the evil were merely external, it would be comparatively immaterial, but it is internal. The whole man is infected with the leprosy of sin. His members are not consecrated to God, but to iniquity. His understanding is enveloped in dense darkness. His reason is proud, and unyielding to God. His affections are perverted, cold, and sensual. His will is stubborn and intractable. All his powers, passions, capacities, and emotions, have been affected by sin. 3. As they regard death and the grave. What fearful desolations they effect! They dim the lustre of the eye, extinguish the light of genius, tarnish the bloom of beauty, wither the arm of vigour, and reduce the frame of man to dust. 4. As they regard the remote and awful consequences of iniquity. The loss of the soul, banishment from God, the utter withdrawal of His favour, the agony of conscience, the society of devils and wicked spirits, and the consciousness that this degradation, ruin, and misery, will endure unmitigated forever. II. THE SUPERIOR AND MORE. SPLENDID TRIUMPHS OF DIVINE GRACE. 1. In the full and spontaneous forgiveness which it bestows. It removes the oppressive burden of sin — it speaks peace to the conscience; and whatever might have been his offences, it assures the justified individual that his sins have been all forgiven. 2. In the character of those operations which it secures. It not merely justifies the person, but renovates the nature, implants new principles, induces new feelings, inspires love to prayer, and communicates that strength and consolation which we require while residents in this world. 3. In the inheritance which it assigns. Rest from labour, tranquillity after agitation and alarm, freedom from temptation, advancement to ineffable dignity — the possession of a glorious and an enduring kingdom, and the promise of an unfading and immortal crown. 4. In the complete and glorious resurrection of the body for which it provides. 5. In the eventual number of the redeemed. They shall embrace every age, country, condition, class. A number, which no man can enumerate, shall be rescued from sin, delivered from the grave, and advanced to the bliss and glory of heaven.Conclusion: This subject should — 1. Tend to correct many errors with regard to the doctrine of election: the fact of the fall, the extent of Divine mercy, the number of the saved. 2. Induce us to institute art inquiry whether we have ever realised the power of that grace which so gloriously triumphs. 3. Inspire us as regards the future, and induce us to make greater exertions to secure and extend the triumphs of Divine mercy. (J. Leifchild, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: |
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