Matthew Henry Commentary Romans 5:20-21

"And the law came in besides, that the trespass might abound; but where sin abounded, grace did abound more exceedingly: that, as sin reigned in death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." — Romans 5:20-21 (ASV)

By Christ and His righteousness, we have more and greater privileges than we lost by the offense of Adam. The moral law showed that many thoughts, dispositions, words, and actions were sinful; thus, transgressions were multiplied. The law did not make sin abound more, but rather revealed its sinfulness, just as letting a clearer light into a room reveals the dust and filth that were there before but were not seen.

The sin of Adam, and the effect of corruption in us, are the abounding offense that became apparent with the introduction of the law. And the terrors of the law make the comforts of the gospel all the sweeter. Thus, God the Holy Spirit, through the blessed apostle, has delivered to us a most important truth, full of consolation and suited to our needs as sinners.

Whatever advantages one person may have over another, everyone is a sinner against God, stands condemned by the law, and needs pardon. A righteousness that justifies cannot consist of a mixture of sin and holiness. There can be no title to an eternal reward without a pure and spotless righteousness: let us look for it, indeed, to the righteousness of Christ.