ESV Reformation Study Bible – Rom 5:20
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Rom 5:20

5:20 the law came. It was given as an additional (post-Fall) element in God’s dealings with His people, so “to increase the trespass.” While sin was in the world before the law was given (v. 13), the law reveals sin in its specific character as trespass, lapsing from a set standard. Such lapses “abound” because the law’s demands stir up contrary cravings in sinners’ hearts (7:5, 8). But in the face of this increase of sin, “grace abounded all the more,” not only keeping pace with the offense, but outdoing it, in the great salvation accomplished through Christ.