What We Have
Romans 5:1-5
The book of Romans opens with the charge that both Jews and
Greeks "are all under sin," (Rom. 3:9). After the introductory greeting, Paul
takes up the charge against Gentiles (1:18-32). Beginning in chapter two, he
addresses the Jews and makes the same case against them. The conclusion is "both
Jews and Greek... are all under sin," and in fact "all have sinned and fall
short of the glory of God," (Rom. 3:9,23).
Near the end of chapter three, Paul begins a statement of the good news, that is
- God's gracious provision for sin to be forgiven. Though we have sinned, we can
be "justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ
Jesus," (3:24). Chapter four relies upon the Biblical accounts of both David and
Abraham to show that when we depend upon God, believe in Him and act on that
belief - we become personal recipients of His forgiveness. Though we have
sinned, God is willing to impute righteousness to us "who believe in Him who
raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead," (4:24). Everything else Paul tells us
(inside and outside of Romans) confirms that to "believe in Him" means trust
that prompts obedience (see Rom. 1:5). Justification by faith simply means
hearing, believing and doing what God says.
When we do this, in response to the gospel of Christ, what do "we have?" When I
decide to become a Christian, I do that and continue that way of life, what do I
enjoy as a result? This very practical question is answered by Paul in Romans
5:1-5.
1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace
with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by
faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of
God. 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that
tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character,
hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured
out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
"Therefore" means In Conclusion. Paul has argued (1) that all are under sin, and
(2) that by a response of faith, we can personally participate in God's
provision of forgiveness in Christ. When I obey the gospel and as I follow
Christ after my baptism, I am "justified by faith." Paul concludes - there are
good results! There are blessings "we have."
Peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Sin puts the sinner in opposition
to God (see Col. 1:21; Eph. 2:12 & Isa. 48:22). Because of who Jesus is and what
He did, the sin and the opposition it causes can end! Those "justified by faith"
enjoy peace with God; completeness, wholeness, harmony. As faith becomes active
in my response to the gospel and my walk in newness of life - I am justified,
and one good result is this peace.
Access by faith into grace. There is a vibrant word here: access. In this
context it means, entrance into a place of blessing. When you read the word here
in Romans five, imagine a beautiful room; a place of great blessing. Call this
place "the room of God's favor." Outside of this room - you are alienated, lost
and destined for wrath. Inside this room, you are surrounded by God's favor. How
can one who has sinned gain access into this room? By faith! Though you have
sinned, by an active faith in the gospel of Christ, you can move into this great
location, the room of God's favor. But though peace and access are great needs
and abundant gifts from God, there is more! "Not only that!" (see verse 3).
We also glory in tribulations. To the world, this sounds - not just strange but
absurd and abnormal. Can anyone go through tribulation (pain, anguish, hardship,
persecution) and glory at the same time? The idea - when stated in these terms -
seems to raise immediate objection. Paul affirms, those "justified by faith" can
do this! By this faith we have the capacity to endure trouble, because we know
something. For those who live by faith, tribulation produces perseverance! In a
hostile environment - faith affords the faithful the strength to develop
character (see also James 1:2-4). Jesus said, "In the world you will have
tribulation; be but of good cheer, I have overcome the world," (Jno. 16:33).
How do we know all this? The Holy Spirit. We know we have these blessings by
faith, and we know that hope will have a good end - because a loving God has
communicated to us. "Now hope does snot disappoint, because the love of God has
been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us."
Romans 5:1-5 is about what you have, if you are "justified by faith." If trust
in God and belief in Christ has caused you to repent and be baptized ... if you
are walking in newness of life, you have peace with God, access into grace and
the capacity to glory and grow even in tribulation!
By Warren E. Berkley
From Expository Files 8.8; August 2001
