Today's Passage: Romans 5

Romans 5 begins with the word "therefore". The reason for this is found in the previous chapter. In chapter 4 Paul lays out a very convincing case that Abraham, the Old Testament Patriarch was saved by faith and not by his works. The 5th chapter of Romans is a continuation of the thoughts of the previous chapter. 

One of the major highlights is found in verse 2 where Paul explains that we gain access to grace (the undeserved favor of God) by faith in Jesus Christ. One important thing to note is that the word grace is used more in this chapter than anywhere else in the Bible! In the NIV it is translated as "grace" and the word "gift". In all, the Greek word for grace occurs 8 times.

In biblical times they would do a few things for emphasis. They would either place a certain phrase at the beginning of the sentence in the  New Testament Greek  (something we could not do as often in English because of the importance of sentence structure), or they would use the same words or phrases to highlight a certain point.

 The reason grace is mentioned so many times is because the main thing Paul is trying to emphasize is grace! From verse 12 to the end of the chapter Paul Compares Adam and Jesus (called the second Adam). Adam hurled all of mankind into sin, and Jesus, through the amazing grace offered on the cross, supplied a way for people to reconcile their broken relationship with God.

A very powerful conclusion is found in verse 20: "But where sin increased, grace increased all the more". The KJV phrases it, "But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound".

IN Romans 6:23 Paul taught us that the consequences of sin was eternal death. Sin places you 6 ft. in the ground. But the grace of God, which is more powerful and abounds more, can reach 7ft. and lift you out of the grave giving you eternal life with your Heavenly Father. No wonder we sing "Amazing grace how sweet the sound...".