thinking bible.

You asked

how does this idea of abounding grace connect with old testament stories of forgiveness or restoration?

The passage, plainly, with room to sit with it.

Romans 5:20

The law came in besides, that the trespass might abound; but where sin abounded, grace abounded more exceedingly;

The Apostle Paul, writing to the church in Rome (likely in the mid-1st century CE), explains how the Mosaic Law, rather than eliminating sin, highlighted its pervasive nature. In this verse, he pivots to declare that God's grace surpasses even the abundance of sin.

How might recognizing the exceeding abundance of grace shift your perspective on moments of failure or imperfection?

Keep thinking

Read alongside it

  • Exodus 34:6-7

    Describes God as compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in loving kindness and truth, forgiving iniquity and transgression.

  • Psalm 103:8-12

    Proclaims God's mercy and compassion, removing transgressions as far as the east is from the west.

  • 1 Timothy 1:14

    Paul speaks of the grace of our Lord superabounding with faith and love.

Ask your own follow-up