Why does sin seem so much worse today than in the past?
Sin seems worse today because of vastly increased human numbers, which magnify its presence, not because human nature or sin itself has changed. Scripture notes sin abounded even at Christ's first advent, when the world was steeped in idolatry and paganism. The law reveals sin but has no saving power; grace abounds more.
Les explains that sin has always been present throughout human history. By the time Christ came in His first advent, the whole world was steeped in idolatry and paganism; sin abounded. The law's only function is to show us our sin—it has no saving power or power of justification. Les emphasizes that nothing is different or changed in human nature; what we see today has been part and parcel of the human race down through history. The only difference is that sin is magnified now because of our tremendous numbers. Yet where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.