“MUCH MORE” - THE ASSURANCE OF HOPE
INTRODUCTION
A. (Rom.5:1-21) Paul uses the word “hope” 3 times in Romans 5 - (v2,4,5). “Hope” means
“joyful and confident expectation of eternal salvation”. There are 2 other words Paul uses
in Romans 5 which secures “hope”.
B. Ency. of ill. pg. 406 - Two Costliest Words Five times in our text we read the words
“much more” (v9,10,15,17,20). This lesson will consider the “hope” God has
provided to us by the words “much more”.
I. ASSURED OF BEING “SAVED FROM WRATH” BY HIS
DEATH
A. (Mt.3:7; Rom.1:18; 2:5; Rev.6:16,17) Three observations from these verses:
a. “wrath” - “retribution and punishment”
b. inescapable
c. God has promised it for sinners
B. (Rom.3:22,23) Everyone is subject to the “wrath of God”. (Rom.5:9) But Christians
“..shall be saved from wrath..”. How can I be sure that I shall be “saved from
wrath”? Answer - His death (Rom.5:6-9).
a. taking their place; receiving the wrath they desire
b. men usually do not die for their enemies, but might for a friend
c. Jesus took our place; took our punishment (Isa.53:5-6; 2Cor.5:21)
d. His blood justifies us “now” (“justified” - “to render (show or regard as) just or
innocent”)
II. ASSURED OF BEING SAVED “BY HIS LIFE”
A. (Rom.5:10) Verse 9 has assured us of that we are going to be “saved from wrath” by the death of Christ. Verse 10
assures us of being saved “by His life”.
a. though Jesus’ death was humiliating, shameful, painful & though it seem His enemies had
triumphed over Him, yet His death “reconciled” us to God
b. “much more” that He is living, exalted, & triumphant He will be able to save us
B. (Rom.5:10) If Jesus die to save us while we were “enemies”, how “much more” will
He want to save us since we have been made friends of God.
C. There are 3 things I need from Jesus to be saved. Two of these are specifically
mentioned, & the other is implied.
a. His sinless life to qualify Him to be my substitute (Rom.5:6,8; 8:3,4)
b. His death (Rom.5:9,10; Isa.53:6; 2Cor.5:21)
c. His life (Rom.5:10; Heb.7:25; Joh.14:19)
III. ASSURED OF UNIVERSAL BENEFIT OF JESUS’ DEATH
A. (Rom.5:15) To appreciate this verse, one must consider the previous verses (v12-14).
a. (v12) far-reaching, universal effect of Adam’s sin
b. (v13) period of time between God’s law to Adam and Moses’ law people had no revealed
law from God, just the law of nature or law written on their hearts
c. (v14) even though people did not violate a known command as Adam, they still were
regarded as sinners - evident from the fact that death reigned during this period
d. (v14b) Adam introduced as a “type” of Christ
B. (Rom.5:14b,15) Paul shows a resemblance between Christ & Adam regarding the
universal impact of their one act.
a. result of Adam’s single act - “many died”
b. result of Christ’s single act - “gift by grace...abounded to many”
C. (Rom.5:15a, 16) Paul makes a contrast between the consequences of their acts &
shows that the consequences of Christ’s act supersedes Adam’s (Rom.5:16-
21).
Adam Christ
a. “condemnation” a. “justification”
b. “death reigned” b. “reign in life”
c. “made sinners c. “made righteous”
D. The benefits of Christ’s act takes care of the all periods of sin - 1. Adam’s sin - revealed, positive command; 2. people who
did not have a written law; 3. people under Moses’ law
IV. ASSURED OF REIGNING IN LIFE THROUGH CHRIST
A. (Rom.5:17) Even more certain than Adam’s offense bringing “death” to all, is Christ’s
righteous act bringing “life” to all who “receive...abundance...grace...righteousness”.
B. In Romans 5:17, Paul provides us with 2 word pictures:
a. “death” reigning as a tyrant over people & people reigning over death because of Christ
b. consequences of Christ’s righteous act superseding the consequences of Adam’s offense
V. ASSURED OF GRACE ABOUNDING OVER OUR SINS
A. (Rom.5:20) Verse 12 says “sin entered the world” through Adam, but from Adam to
Moses there was no written law. Therefore verse 20 says “the law entered”.
B. Purpose of the “law” - “that the offense might abound”. The law made man aware of
his sinfulness whenever he violated it (Rom.3:20; 7:7).
a. “abound” - “to superabound:--abound, abundant, make to increase”
b. more laws - more sin
C. (Rom.5:20b) Once more Paul shows us that Christ (“grace”) supersedes Adam
(“sin”).
a. “abounded much more” (used twice in NT - Rom.5:20; 2Cor.7:4) - “to abound beyond
measure, abound exceedingly, to overflow, to enjoy abundantly”
b. God’s “grace” is more powerful than your “sin” (1Tim.1:13-15; 1Cor.6:9-11)
CONCLUSION
(Rom.5:21) It has always been God’s plan that “grace” would one day “reign” &
“more much!”