If salvation by grace through faith spans both Old and New Testament (see earlier post), then what is the difference in the New Testament? And why is there such an emphasis upon the theme of grace in the New?
These are the questions which I find myself returning to as I reflect upon Bill Dumbrell’s comment. The answers, of course, revolve around the marvellous news of the gospel: ”For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” (2 Corinthians 8:9).
The coming of the Lord Jesus Christ has transformed everything. But it takes a while to work out the implications (minor understatement here – I think we are still going 2000 years later!) Paul in his letter to the Romans is dealing with all of this along the way: the righteousness of God, the role of the Law (Torah), the question of Israel. And then there is Romans 5:12-21 where law, sin, grace and righteousness are all in focus.
The argument is complex but the overall thrust is plain. While the law has simply resulted in the increase of sin, with the coming of Christ Jesus has come the overflowing abundance of grace.
We have so much reason for rejoicing because of the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. What a rich blessing it is to live as members of the new covenant!