Source: Wikipedia
Before we continue our series on Paul's letters in Romans to Philemon, I want to announce that all my books are free today through Friday (10/21-10/25) on Amazon (ebook only) to celebrate my three year blogging anniversary. You can click on the links below to download the free ebooks.
http://tinyurl.com/YOU-CAN-HAVE-A-HAPPY-FAMILY
http://tinyurl.com/The-LOVE-Walk
http://tinyurl.com/Armor-of-Light
Last week, we studied Romans 4 how Abraham was justified by faith. Through his example we learn that we are also justified by faith. This week, in Romans 5, Paul explains some of the benefits of being justified by faith.
One of the benefits is that we have peace with God.
“having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ”
(v. 1, NASB)
Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27, NIV).
No matter how unworthy we think we are, we should never be afraid to draw near to God. He will not turn us away.
Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.
Hebrews 10:19-22 (NIV)
Another benefit of being justified by faith is God’s unmerited favor.
“through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand”
v. 2 (NASB)
Through faith in Jesus, we have been introduced to the grace of God. We not only have confidence to approach God, but we also have confidence to receive the same favor He bestowed upon Christ.
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.
v. 15 (NASB)
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Other benefits we receive through faith are joy and hope.
“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.
v. 2-5 (NASB)
With the hope God has given us, we can have joy even in our trials and tribulations because we know He will use them and work them out for our benefit.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:2-4 (NIV)
Lastly, a wonderful benefit of being justified through faith in Christ is righteousness.
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.
v. 17 (NASB)
We often forget that the faith we had when we received Christ is the same faith we need to continue trusting Him to work in our lives.
I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard? Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?
Galatians 3:2-3 (NIV)
One of Strong’s definitions for righteousness is: integrity, virtue, purity of life, rightness, correctness of thinking, feeling, and acting. As we walk with Christ by faith, the Holy Spirit can work His righteousness in us and transform us from the inside out.
Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness?
Romans 6:16 (NASB)
Heavenly Father,
We praise You for loving us as You love Jesus. Your Word says those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. And the Spirit we have received does not make us slaves, so that we live in fear again; rather, the Spirit we received brought about our adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory (Romans 8:14-17). We receive by faith all that You have given us, all the benefits of being justified through Christ, Your Son.
In Jesus’ faithful name, we pray. Amen!
How did God speak to you through Romans 5? Is there anything He revealed that you would like to share with others?
*The series will continue next Tuesday as we study Romans 6. Have a blessed week receiving all the benefits of being justified by faith in Christ!
I am a wife of seventeen years, mother of four
children, and author of “You
Can Have a Happy Family: Steps to Enjoying Your Marriage and Children” (which
won a silver medal in the 2013 Readers’ Favorite International contest) and two
devotionals: “The LOVE Walk: A
15-Week Devotional on 1 Corinthians 13:4-8” and “Armor of
Light: A 7-Week Devotional on Ephesians 6:10-18.” God has done an amazing
work in me and my family since He rescued me thirteen years ago. Because of His
unfailing love, I am passionate about sharing His love with others. You can
learn more about my testimony and writings on my blog (SharingTruths.com) and
my website (AmandaBeth.net).
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