Romans 4-5

It took me about 15 minutes to read this passage.  In the last part of chapter 5 Paul is comparing and contrasting the introduction of sin through Adam with the introduction of grace through Jesus.  The Message brings out the unequal comparison of sin and grace in verse 20; “But sin didn’t, and doesn’t, have a chance in competition with the aggressive forgiveness we call grace.”  We have the tendency to focus a lot on the power of sin; because it is so destructive in its expression.  But Paul says that the real power to accomplish greatness is not in sin, but rather in God’s grace.  This make so much sense.  Sin is a human creation.  Therefore, by its very nature of being rooted in fallen humanity at its very strongest it is terribly weak, and frail; unable to even support itself.  Grace, on the other hand, is from the heart of God.  It is a good and perfect gift, and therefore it is overflowing with the nature of a loving and forgiving God.  So the weakness of grace, if there is such a thing, is more powerful then the full force strength of sin.

Stuart