Why does Paul describe sin as a king in Romans 5:21, and what does grace do in comparison?
Paul describes sin as a king because reigning implies kingship, and sin or old Adam has reigned unto death. By contrast, grace reigns through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord. Grace is the liberty and freedom that reigns, not to license sin but unto eternal life.
Les explains that Paul uses the picture of a king because that is what reigning implies. Sin, or the old Adam, has reigned unto death. Even so, grace—this liberty and freedom—might reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord. Coming into Romans 6, Paul asks, “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?” Les connects this to Paul’s earlier slanderous report in chapter 3, as though he taught people could do as they pleased. Paul answers, “God forbid!” How shall those who are dead to sin, that old Adam, live any longer therein? Les stresses that believers are set free and at liberty, yet not liberty to go contrary to the Word of God. Liberty as a believer means each person must determine between himself and the Lord what his behavior will be in certain areas, such as giving.
That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
More Questions
What does it mean that grace reigns through righteousness unto eternal life in Romans 5:21?
In Romans 5:21 Paul's desire is that grace would reign like a king through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ, just as sin (the old Adam) reigned unto death.