Introduction: In Romans 5, the Apostle Paul eloquently explains the profound implications of faith in Jesus Christ. This chapter teaches about the blessings that come from being justified by faith (or saved if you would rather put it that way), including peace with God, His mercy, salvation and access to His grace. It compares the reign of death brought by Adam with the reign of life through Christ, revealing the free gift of righteousness and eternal life for believers. This chapter speaks to believers about embracing the hope that does not disappoint because of God’s love poured out through the Holy Spirit.
I. Peace and Hope through Faith (Romans 5:1-5)
Paul begins by restating that justification through faith grants believers peace with God through Jesus (Romans 5:1). He makes the point, that this faith provides access into God’s grace, in which we stand and rejoice in the hope of His glory (Romans 5:2). Even suffering serves a purpose, producing perseverance, character, and hope, made certain by God’s love through the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:3-5). We read in Philippians 4:7, the peace of God passes all understanding, and guards our hearts and minds in Christ. I would try to explain this type of peace, but it is beyond me, because it is something I can’t understand fully, as the Bible says. The Bible speaks of the benefits of trials and tribulation (suffering) in James 1:2-4, trials develop perseverance in believers, which leads to maturity in faith. And in Ephesians 2:18, the Bible tells us, through Christ, we have access to the Father by the Spirit (the Holy Spirit).
II. Christ’s Sacrifice Demonstrates God’s Love (Romans 5:6-8)
Paul writes of Christ dying for the ungodly at just the right time, pointing out that no one wants to die for even a righteous person, let alone a sinner (Romans 5:6-7). This display of God’s love is most clear in this great truth, that while we were sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). In the gospel of John, John 15:13, the disciple tells us, greater love has no one than this, to lay down one’s life for friends. Furthermore John goes on to write in 1 John 4:10, that love can be defined by God sending His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins, which lets us know for truth, God is Love. Finally in Ephesians 2:4-5, we see that God’s great love made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions.
III. Salvation from God’s Wrath through Christ (Romans 5:9-11)
Having been justified by Christ’s blood, we are saved from God’s wrath (Romans 5:9). Reconciliation (what a big word with such a sweet meaning) with God through the death of His Son gives us the assurance of salvation and rejoicing in God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:10-11). Another verse that basically says the same as this one is 1 Thessalonians 1:10, Jesus rescues us from the coming wrath. In Colossians 1:20, the Bible tells us that Christ’s blood shed on the cross reconciles all things to God, all our sins reconciled, wiped clean, forgiven – now that is something to celebrate. In 2 Corinthians 5:18-19, the Bible tells more about reconciliation, God reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.
IV. Adam vs. Christ: Death and Life (Romans 5:12-21)
Paul again compares Adam’s disobedience with Christ’s obedience (Romans 5:12-14). The gift of grace through Jesus is not like Adam’s trespass; it overflows and extends to many (Romans 5:15). The result of one man’s sin is judgment and condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brings justification (Romans 5:16-17). As one man’s disobedience led to condemnation for all, so one man’s act of righteousness leads to life for all (Romans 5:18-19). The law was brought in so that trespass might increase, but where sin increased, grace increased all the more (Romans 5:20). Therefore, just as sin reigned in death, grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ (Romans 5:21). Some other verses that allude to these verses are 1 Corinthians 15:22: In Adam, all die, so in Christ, all will be made alive. Genesis 3:6-7: Adam’s sin brought death into the world. Ephesians 2:8-9: It is by grace through faith that we are saved.
Conclusion: Romans 5 builds a strong case for the hope and assurance believers find in Christ. Justification by faith gives us peace with God, His mercy, salvation, access to His grace, and a hope that endures through the suffering of life. The unparalleled love of God can be seen in Christ’s death for sinners, assuring us of salvation from wrath and reconciliation with God. Paul’s comparison between the consequences of Adam’s sin and the redemptive work of Christ sheds more light on the triumph of grace over sin and death. This chapter should inspire believers to rejoice in the victory of life and righteousness through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
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