Free Bible Commentary
“Romans 5:1-11”
Categories: Romans“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
“For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.”
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The justification that is derived from God’s grace and our (obedient) faith produces peace with God. This peace is not merely an inner feeling of tranquility, although that should come as a result of our reconciliation to our Creator. The point is that our sins create animosity between us and God (Isaiah 59:1-2), and that hostility can only be eliminated through faith and not works of law. Through the blood of Jesus Christ, we are reconciled back to God from a state of acrimony, when we submit our lives to Him in humble, trusting faith.
Paul also informs us that we have “obtained our introduction by faith into this grace” (verse 2). Many people in the denominational world would have us believe that we can’t even understand the Bible and submit to it in faith unless God first “operates” on our minds by His grace. But that is backward thinking according to this passage. It is only after we hear and believe and obey the word that God administers his justifying, reconciling, saving grace. To be certain, the revelation of the Gospel is a form of God’s grace as well. But that is what produces the faith within us, not some direct, immediate administration of grace (Acts 20:24).
Our justification by the blood of Christ, the fact that He died for us even when we were His “enemies” (verse 10), should only cause our faith to be bolstered when difficulties arise. We may be tempted to believe that God has forgotten us or that He doesn’t care when we are visited by times of trial. But the faithful child of God has a “hope” (verse 4) that those living outside of God’s saving grace just can’t understand. This hope is not merely wishful thinking but a “full assurance of hope” (Hebrews 6:11) that God is going see us through the most turbulent times and carry us home to heaven, even if we are required to die for our faith.
If God did so much for us while we were His enemies, how much more will He do for us now that we are his (reconciled) friends (verse 10)? If you are a Christian and going through a time of tribulation, don’t think for a moment that God has abandoned you. He is still with you, helping you, tempering you, proving you. And you can trust Him to carry you safely through your time of distress. God is for you so no one and nothing can stand against you (Romans 8:31). Stay firm in your conviction and strong in your faith. If God did not spare His Only Begotten Son, but sacrificed Him for your salvation, you can count on Him to see you through to the end (which is really just the beginning!).
Please read Romans 5:12-21 for tomorrow.
Have a super day!
- Louie Taylor
