Romans 5:1-11

Paul has clearly stated that all are sinners before God and therefore deserving of His punishment (1:18-3:20); however, God has graciously provided the righteousness man needs through Jesus’ death on the cross (3:21-31). Paul writes that Jesus was “set forth as a propitiation [appeasement] by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance [mercy] God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus” (Romans 3:25-26). Simply put, God declares righteous those who have faith in the righteousness provided through Jesus Christ. In case some of his readers were tempted to think they could find righteousness through their own deeds, Paul makes it evident that God had never declared anyone righteous on the basis of their works (4:1-25). To prove his point, Paul pointed to the example of Abraham who “believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness” (4:3).

There is a definite transition in Paul’s writing as he now begins to expound on the results of a sinner “having been justified by faith” (5:1a). First of all, “we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (5:1b). This peace implies that we are no longer living in opposition and rebellion against God, but instead enjoying a right standing before Him. Secondly, “we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand” (5:2). Through Jesus Christ we are freely given the privilege to approach God at any time and no longer need to fear open communication with Him (see also Hebrews 4:16). Next, Paul mentions that we can “glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope” (5:3-4). Those who have been justified are not exempt from trials, but their new standing before God provides hope to endure these difficult times. Lastly, Paul says that the “love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (5:5). The Holy Spirit now witnesses in our hearts of God’s love for us and the hope we have in Him.

Having mentioned the love of God for the believer, Paul reminds his readers about the way God expressed His love for them. He writes, ” For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (5:6-8). Even though we were neither a “righteous man” or a “good man,” God loved us so much that He was willing to send His righteous Son to provide the righteousness needed for salvation. An even deeper demonstration of God’s love rests in the fact that “we have been saved from wrath through Him” (5:9). Jesus Christ experienced all of God’s wrath against sin instead of it being taken out on the believing sinner. Although we were the enemies of God, we are now “reconciled [brought back into harmony] to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life” (5:10). If Jesus died for those who opposed God, those who have been reconciled can be assured that they are secure through His life.

Because of all that God has done for the believing sinner, he can now “rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation” (5:11). It is an amazing thing to know that we are no longer the enemies of God, but rather are now called His children (John 1:12).

Dear God, I thank You that I am no longer Your enemy, but have been reconciled through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.