It’s All About Grace
Romans 5:1-21
In Psalm 103:2, David delivered this challenge, “Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” It is important for all of God’s children to remember the incredible blessings we receive as recipients of God’s grace, forgiveness and redemption.
In Romans 1-4, Paul described in great detail how everyone is a sinner in need of a savior and how God has provided the way of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. In Romans 5, Paul echoed David’s sentiment in Psalm 103 by reminding us of the wonderful benefits that come to those who have been graced by the marvelous gift of Jesus.
The word “therefore” is important in the letter to the Romans, appearing more than 20 times. It connotes a resulting truth. In Romans 5:1, Paul used it to transition from explaining the truth of salvation found through Christ to the understanding of the resulting benefits which come from our faith and trust in Him.
We have peace with God: The first benefit Paul stressed is peace with God. Whether it is with warring countries, families in conflict or even churches divided, we recognize the need for, and value of, peace. But above all else, we need the contentment found only when we have peace with God. And Jesus is the way to experience peace with God. He is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). In John 14:27, Jesus reminded His followers that He would give them peace – not simply with a temporary absence of conflict, but with an eternal relationship with God.
We have Christian hope: In addition to peace, those who are made right with God through Christ are given an additional benefit – hope. Often we use the word “hope” as a means of expressing a wish or desire. Christian hope is different. It is based not on a wish but on the truth of God’s grace and salvation. Our hope is established in an eternal connection with God, and it is deepened through our reliance upon Him through the challenges and afflictions which will come our way.
We have God’s love: Philips, Craig and Dean recorded a song a few years ago with the following chorus: “Your grace still amazes me; your love is still a mystery.” I think of those lyrics when I reflect on Romans 5:6-11. Who isn’t awed and amazed by the truth that “God proves His own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (5:8)? Through Christ, we find the full expression of God’s love.
We have eternal life: A multitude of problems have resulted from the disobedience of one man, Adam. But through the perfect gift of Jesus, God’s grace has triumphed over the curse of sin. The resulting benefit for all who believe is “eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (v. 20).
Owens– Lessons in the ETB series for the fall quarter are being written by Ken Owens, director of the collegiate ministry group for the South Carolina Baptist Convention.