Abounding Grace

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Abounding grace

Abounding Grace Text References: 1 Pet. 4:10, Rom. 5:20-21

This passage speaks of the many-sided grace of God. Let us look deeper into Abounding Grace, as described in Romans 5:20-21.

This verse stands out against the dark background of sin and its dangerous workings.

A Better Understanding of Romans 5:20-21

Many of us are familiar with this verse in the King James Version, which uses the word “abound” for both parts of the scripture. However, for a clearer understanding, let us examine newer Bible translations:

  • The New English Bible states: “Where sin was thus multiplied, grace immeasurably exceeded it.”
  • J.B. Phillips translates: “Though sin is shown to be wide and deep, thank God His grace is wider and deeper still.”
  • Some Bible commentators go even further. For instance, Donald Barnhouse suggested: “Where sin reached a high-water mark, grace completely flooded the world.”

Paul, in this verse, highlights that although sin has triumphed over humanity, causing great damage, grace has triumphed over sin through our Lord and saviour Jesus christ and now reigns victoriously.

Key Lessons About Abounding Grace

Here are some salient points we must note about this abounding grace of God:

I. God does not withhold grace because of sin

In our daily lives, we often withdraw from someone who offends us, withholding kindness and favor. Yet, God operates differently. On the contrary, where sin abounds, grace abounds much more.

Example: Adam and Eve

  • After they sinned, Adam and Eve feared that God would take grace from them (Genesis 2:17)..
  • They hid in fear of impending judgment when God came to them.
  • However, instead of immediate judgment, God made a promise of the coming Messiah who would destroy the works of Satan and restore humanity to paradise.
  • They clothed themselves with fig leaves, but God provided them with animal skins, symbolizing Christ’s righteousness.

II. Grace in the Days of Moses

During the time Moses was on Mount Sinai, when God gave His law (Exodus 20:2-3), the people of Israel were simultaneously engaging in idolatry.

  • Was this a barrier to grace? No!
  • On that same mountain, God gave instructions for constructing the tabernacle and laws on how sinful humanity could approach Him.
  • Once again, where sin abounded, grace abounded much more.

III. Grace Perfected Through Jesus Christ

In the New Testament, Jesus appeared as the perfection of grace. However, instead of receiving Him, the people rejected Him and ensured His crucifixion.

  • Pilate attempted to release Him, but the crowd, urged by corrupt spiritual leaders, shouted, “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!”
  • Even as He was being crucified, Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).
Remarkably, even when people crucified the Son of God, God did not withhold His grace

Paul Experience of Grace

Paul’s life is a vivid example of abounding grace:

  • In 1 Corinthians 15:9-10, Paul writes:
    “I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God, I am what I am, and His grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.”
  • Towards the end of his life, Paul shared his testimony with Timothy (1 Timothy 1:12-16):
  • “Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy, so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on Him and receive eternal life.”

No Sin Too Great for Grace

You may feel as though you have dashed all hope because of some sin that looms over you like a thick wall. The devil may be harassing you, reminding you of your failures every time you attempt to approach God.

But hear this: No sin can stop the abundant flow of God's grace.

Examples of Possible Sins

  • Sexual sin
  • Adultery
  • Perversion
  • Murder
  • Destroying someone’s work or reputation
  • Even being angry with God and cursing Him

Whatever your sin may be, know this:

  • Grace was not withheld from Adam and Eve.
  • Grace was not withheld from the children of Israel.
  • Grace was not withheld from Paul.
  • Grace will not be withheld from you.

In Jesus, you can find immediate and full forgiveness.

Abounding Grace Conclusion

No matter how far you feel you have fallen, God’s abounding grace is wider, deeper, and greater than your sin. As Romans 5:20-21 reminds us: “Where sin abounded, grace abounded much more.” So, come boldly to God, knowing that His grace is never withheld, and His forgiveness is always available.

Abounding Grace Quiz

According to Romans 5:20-21, what happens where sin abounds?

Apostle (DR.) Udoh
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