Paul and Ambrose

From Paul, Romans 5:19-21 "For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous. Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

Sometimes Paul is confusing to read. But we do not have to throw our hands up in despair. Here is St. Ambrose of Milan shedding light on Paul's writing:

"Now the world becomes guilty before God by the Law, in that all are made liable to its prescripts, but no man is justified by its works. By the Law comes the knowledge of sin, but not the remission of guilt.

But when the Lord Jesus came, He forgave all men that sin which none could escape and "blotted out the handwriting against us" by the shedding of His own blood {Colossians 2:14}. This, then, is the apostle's meaning: sin abounded by the Law, but grace abounded by Jesus; for after the whole world became guilty, He took away the sin of the whole world, as John bore witness, saying: "Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world" {John 1:29}. Therefore let no one glory in works, for by his own works no man shall be justified, for he who is just has a free gift, for he is justified by the Bath of Baptism. It is faith, then, which delivers by the blood of Christ, for "Blessed is the man to whom sin is remitted and pardon granted" {Psalm 32:1}.

While we may not read St. Ambrose very much and it is required of us to read his words carefully, Ambrose is clear- BY THE LAW COMES THE KNOWLEDGE OF SIN, BUT NOT THE REMISSION OF SIN. The holy Law of God reveals our sin, but 'doing' the Law of God does not bring about forgiveness. We cannot do the Law. We do not even want to do the Law. Thus there is no forgiveness apart from Christ- HE (JESUS) TOOK AWAY THE SIN OF THE WHOLE WORLD.

Thanks Ambrose!