Super-Abounding GRACE

Romans 5:20b (NKJV)
…But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, …

The world is getting darker; the cumulative effect of sin is evident all around. Thanks to cable news and the expanse of social media, we are now in a position where we can experience the worst that sin has to offer through the lens of camera round-the-clock. As horrific events seem on the uptick even the most mature Christian can begin to ask “Why God, why?”  We must not do that.  We must always stick to what the Word says and not be tempted to figure things out according to our own reasoning.  God is good, the devil is bad and they will never change places.  God has promised in His Word that He will never leave or forsake us.  Therefore, no matter how bad the situation, God is always on the scene whether we can see it or understand it; Romans 5:20b confirms that.

A well-known minister of the gospel shared that many years ago, her brother was killed in a car accident. She said that though it was the last thing she felt like doing, she began to praise the Lord and thank Him for His strength to get her through this devastating event.  As she was praising God, she heard a voice (not audible but in her spirit) that said (paraphrase), “I took him before the moment of impact.” She said that at that point there was a paradigm shift in her emotions.  Her praises were no longer a sacrifice of praise (because it was not natural to give thanks in the loss of a loved one – especially in tragic circumstances), but praises from a grateful heart for God’s goodness in the tragic situation.

Meditating on God’s Word is the key to receiving anything.  Below are listed a number of different translations/versions of Romans 5:20b.  Take time to go over them repeatedly.  Choose one translation that paints a picture within you of God’s GRACE overshadowing the sin of the situation you are seeing/experiencing.

• but where sin abounded, grace did abound more exceedingly: ASV
• but where sin increased, grace super-abounded, DLNT
• but where sin increased, grace overflowed even more—TLV
• and where the sin did abound, the grace did over-abound, YLT
• … but where sin increased, grace multiplied all the more, NET
• but where sin increased, [God’s remarkable, gracious gift of] grace [His unmerited favor] has surpassed itand increased all the more, AMP

While we may never actually see God’s GRACE in tragic, horrific events with our natural eyes, we can see God’s GRACE through eyes of faith.  And, those eyes always see a good and loving God who is present and faithful in every situation.  As the Phillips Translation says, “though sin is shown to be wide and deep, thank God His grace is wider and deeper still!” 

Romans 5:20b (MSG)
But sin didn’t, and doesn’t, have a chance in competition with the aggressive forgiveness we call grace. When it’s sin versus grace, grace wins hands down.

12/6