thinking bible.

You asked

how does this idea of sin's reign and grace's power relate to old testament concepts of covenant and obedience?

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

Romans 5:20-21

The law came in besides, that the trespass might abound; but where sin abounded, grace abounded more exceedingly; that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

The Apostle Paul, writing to believers in Rome in the mid-1st century CE, is explaining how humanity's relationship with God has changed through Christ. He's been discussing how sin entered the world through one man (Adam) and how grace and righteousness have come through another (Jesus).

What might it look like to live as if grace, rather than sin, is truly reigning in your life today?

Keep thinking

Read alongside it

  • Romans 6:14

    Further develops the idea that believers are 'not under law, but under grace'.

  • Galatians 3:19

    Asks, 'Why then was the law given?' and explains its purpose until Christ came.

  • Deuteronomy 30:19-20

    Presents a clear choice of obedience to the covenant for life, contrasting with Paul's focus on grace.

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