Romans 5 - Peace and Hope Through Christ
The Reconciliation of Humanity and the Triumph Over Sin Through Jesus
Romans 5
Results of Justification
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.
Therefore *, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because * all sinned -
for until the Law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law.
Nevertheless death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those who had not sinned in the likeness of the offense of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come.
But the free gift is not like the transgression. For if by the transgression of the one the many died, much more did the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abound to the many.
The gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned; for on the one hand the judgment arose from one transgression resulting in condemnation, but on the other hand the free gift arose from many transgressions resulting in justification.
For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.
So then as through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men, even so through one act of righteousness there resulted justification of life to all men.
For as through the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous.
The Law came in so that the transgression would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more,
so that, as sin reigned in death, even so grace would reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Three Questions
How does Romans 5 depict the relationship between faith, hope, and love?
How does Romans 5 contrast Adam's sin with Christ's sacrifice?
What is the significance of grace and justification in Romans 5?
Question 1 - How does Romans 5 depict the relationship between faith, hope, and love?
Romans 5 illustrates the interconnectedness of faith, hope, and love as follows:
Faith is the foundation. Through faith in Jesus Christ, individuals receive justification, meaning they are declared righteous in God’s sight. This justification brings peace with God and grants access to grace.
Hope arises from faith. Having been justified by faith, believers can now “boast in hope of the glory of God.” They find hope in future glory and patiently endure present afflictions, knowing they lead to perseverance, proven character, and ultimately, a strengthening of hope.
Love is the source and the assurance of hope. This hope “does not disappoint” because it is rooted in the love of God, which has been “poured out into our hearts through the holy Spirit.” It is the unwavering and demonstrable love of God for humanity—a love displayed even when people were still sinners—that underpins and secures the believer's hope. God’s love, manifested in Christ's death while we were still sinners, assures us of ultimate salvation from wrath.
Question 2 - How does Romans 5 contrast Adam's sin with Christ's sacrifice?
The apostle Paul, in Romans 5, constructs a parallel between Adam and Christ to illustrate the profound impact of both Adam's sin and Christ's sacrifice on humanity. Here's a breakdown of the contrasts:
Origin of Sin and Grace: Sin entered the world through one man, Adam, and through sin, death spread to all humanity because everyone sinned. In contrast, grace and the gift of righteousness came through one man, Jesus Christ.
Consequences of Sin and Righteousness: Adam's disobedience brought condemnation and death upon all people. Conversely, Christ's obedience brought acquittal and life to all.
Extent of Impact: While death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who didn't sin in the same way Adam did, the grace of God through Jesus Christ overflows even more abundantly. The gift of justification through Christ surpasses the condemnation resulting from Adam's sin.
Nature of Influence: Adam's sin brought about a reign of death, characterized by transgression and condemnation. Christ's sacrifice, however, ushered in a reign of grace, marked by justification and eternal life.
God's Love Manifested: Even though humanity was sinful and hostile towards God, Christ died for us, demonstrating God's immense love. His death reconciled us to God, and through His life, we are saved. This act of love and sacrifice far outweighs the consequences of Adam's transgression.
Question 3 - What is the significance of grace and justification in Romans 5?
Grace and justification are central themes in Romans 5, where they are contrasted with sin and condemnation.
Through Adam's sin, death entered the world and spread to all humanity because all sinned. Sin was already present in the world, even before the law was given. While sin is not counted when there is no law, death still reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who did not sin in the same way that Adam did.
However, God's grace abounds even more than sin. While death reigned through the transgression of one person, those who receive the abundance of grace and justification will reign in life through Jesus Christ.
This is because, while Adam's one transgression brought condemnation to all, Jesus' one righteous act brought acquittal and life to all. Through Adam's disobedience, many were made sinners, but through Jesus' obedience, many will be made righteous.
Justification comes through faith in Jesus Christ. It brings peace with God and access to grace. Grace overflows where sin increases, leading to justification and eternal life through Jesus Christ.
The significance of grace and justification in Romans 5 is that they demonstrate the overwhelming power of God's love and mercy in overcoming sin and death. Through Jesus Christ, believers receive forgiveness for their sins, are reconciled to God, and are given the gift of eternal life.
Today’s Action
One action you can take to apply the teachings of Romans 5 is to cultivate hope in difficult times:
Practice Resilience and Hope: When facing challenges or suffering, remind yourself of the hope and peace that come from your faith. Reflect on how past difficulties have led to personal growth and character development, reinforcing your hope.
This action is inspired by Romans 5:3-5, which speaks about rejoicing in sufferings because suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. This hope does not disappoint because God's love has been poured out into our hearts.
Check out the podcast as the hosts do a deep dive into this topic.