 I understand the thinking of the libertine. Giving him the benefit of the doubt here, I think he probably understands God’s grace better than most of us do. From Paul’s perspective, it is because the libertine understands the lavish nature and dominating power of God’s grace that he decides to continue in sin (Romans 6:1). So, while it is a wrong conclusion that the amazingness of grace gives us the allowance to continue in sin, it is an understandable conclusion when God’s grace is properly grasped.
So, accepting Paul’s warning in Romans 6:2ff that we must still put off our sin, let us see how he got there by basking in the overwhelming greatness of grace in Romans 5:18-21. In this passage, we find ourselves in Paul’s transition from discussing the righteousness of God in justification (Romans 3:21-5:17) to teaching us of the righteousness of God in sanctification (Romans 6:1-8:17)—both of which are taught in the gospel (Romans 1:16-17). We see that Paul ends his first point on a very high note, contrasting the sin of Adam with the work of Christ. His key point is if Adam’s sin made all men sinners and therefore condemned to hell, how much more will Christ’s obedience result in righteousness and justification to the one who believes (vv. 18-19)! This truth gives a positive light to what we so often look upon as negative—rules. Our negative perspective (and experience) with rules (the law) reminds us that according to verse 20(a), law was instituted by God so that sin would be known and (in a sense) multiply (by magnification). However, the positive goal of that knowledge and multiplication of sin is so that God’s grace can be known and multiply in like (and greater) proportion (v. 20b). The result, then, of the abounding of sin and the consequent super-abounding of grace is found in verse 21. The contrast between sin and grace is highlighted even more poignantly in Paul’s use of grammar. In the first phrase, “reign” is actually the first word in the sentence in the original language and is thus intended to be emphasized. In the second phrase, “grace” is placed first and therefore highlighted. In other words, using italics to emphasize what Paul is saying, “Before you were saved, the king of sin reigned over your life in the dominion of death. It didn’t just influence you to make poor decisions or pressure you to rebel against God or annoy you incessantly; it reigned over you—completely, entirely. However, now that you have attained Christ’s righteousness by faith, that which is reigning in your life is grace.” And Paul has already highlighted in verse 20 how much more powerful than sin is this potentate of grace. The climax of grace’s greatness is discovered in the second half of this verse. Grace reigns and dispenses its power “through righteousness,” the righteousness of Jesus Christ which you already received by faith. So, since you were by faith on the day of your salvation clothed and completed in His righteousness “unto eternal life,” there is never a time when you are without God’s grace! It is always reigning in your life! And although some may rebel against their leader, a powerful ruler will always prevail. So it is with grace! Even though you might not be reading God’s Word to receive grace (Acts 20:32), even though you might be neglecting prayer which is said to channel grace (Hebrews 4:16), even though you may be avoiding those who can minister grace to you through fellowship (Ephesians 4:29), grace still reigns and rules in your life, because you stand clothed in Christ’s righteousness which is the never-ceasing means of God’s grace to you. Just as sure as you have the righteousness of Christ, so you stand complete in the grace of God. As a child of God, you might flee from His work in your life, but you never leave the boundaries of this kingdom of grace through righteousness. Behold the super-abounding nature of grace! Behold the ability of Jesus’ righteousness! Behold the power of the gospel! This is your position! Yes, don’t abuse it, but do let it thrill your heart, as you wrap yourself up in thanksgiving for what Jesus has accomplished on your behalf! Comments are closed.
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