Sin was Present Before the Law
Rev. Tetteh-Annor Larbi | Friday, July 24, 2026 | Romans 5:13
KEY VERSE:
“For until the law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law.” (Romans 5:13 NKJV)
MESSAGE:
Paul continues his explanation of how sin entered the human family through Adam. Sin did not begin when God gave the Law through Moses. It was already present in the world and affecting humanity long before the written commandments were given. The Law revealed and defined sin more clearly, but it did not create the sinful condition of the human heart.
The words “sin is not imputed when there is no law” require careful understanding. Paul is not saying that people who lived before Moses were innocent or that God ignored their wrongdoing. Death still ruled during that period, showing that sin was already active in humanity. The written Law identified specific acts as transgressions and made human guilt clearer, while the presence of death showed that the deeper problem of sin had already spread through Adam.
This helps us understand why rules alone cannot rescue humanity. God’s commands expose sin and show us His holy standard, but they cannot remove guilt or change the sinful heart. We need the saving work of Jesus Christ. Through His death and resurrection, Christ provides forgiveness, righteousness, and new life to those who trust Him. The Law helps us see our need, and the gospel directs us to the Saviour who can meet that need.
FEET AND HANDS:
Read Romans 5:12–14 slowly today. Ask God to help you see how deeply sin has affected humanity and why personal effort cannot solve the problem. Thank Him for giving His Word to reveal sin clearly, then place your confidence in the saving work of Jesus Christ.
PRAYER:
Holy Father, thank You for revealing the seriousness of sin and my need for Your grace. Help me understand that Your Law exposes my condition and leads me to Christ. Forgive my sins, deepen my trust in Jesus, and help me live in the new life You have given me through Him. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING
DAILY word study: IMPUTED The word translated “imputed” comes from the Greek word ellogeō. It means to charge something to a person’s account, reckon it against them, or formally record it.
Paul is not saying that sin did not exist before the Law of Moses. Sin was already active, and death showed its effects. The Law made particular acts clearly accountable as transgressions by naming God’s standard.
This word helps us see the difference between sin’s presence and its formal identification under a revealed command. God’s Law exposes our condition and shows why we need the righteousness Christ provides.
Reflect on this:
How is God’s Word helping you recognise your need for Christ more clearly?
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