Benefits of Justification
Romans 5. Paul has been expounding on his first main point: Justification. He has described and defined it. And, as we saw yesterday, he illustrated it with Abraham. Now he brings this topic to a close in ch.5 as he prepares to move to his next topic: sanctification (ch.6-8). In this chapter (5), Paul discusses the Benefits of Justification (5:1-11) and then the Basis of Justification (5:12-21). Let's just look at the Benefits for today's devotion.
Benefits of Justification:
1. Peace With God 5:1
"Therefore, having been justified by faith..." That one phrase summarizes Paul's entire argument of ch.1-4. "We have [benefit #1] peace with God." We were enemies with God (v.10), but now are at peace with God as a result of justification by faith. The war is over. The arms of rebellion have been laid down. This speaks of a new relationship that exist between God and those who place their faith in Him. To have peace with God means to be in a relationship with God in which all the hostility caused by sin has been removed.
2. Access To God 5:2
The Jew was kept from God's presence by the veil in the Temple, and the Gentile was kept out by a wall in the Temple courtyard with a warning that read: 'if any Gentile went beyond this point he would be killed.' But when Jesus died, He tore the veil (Luke 23:45) and broke down the wall (Eph.2:14). Now, in Christ, believing Jews and Gentiles have access to God, and we can draw on the inexhaustible riches of His grace.
3. Glorious Hope 5:2b
"Peace with God" takes care of the past. The war is over. "Access to God" takes care of the present; "hope of the glory of God" takes care of the future. One day we'll stand in His glory!
4. Christian Character 5:3-4
Justification is no escape from the trials of life. Jesus said, "In this world ye shall have tribulation." (John 16:33). But for the believer, trials work for him and not against him. Suffering builds Christian, Christ-like character.
Prayer:
"Lord Jesus, now that I am declared right with You by faith, I can experience lasting peace. Since my faith in Jesus, I can enter Your grace, I can boast of looking forward to Your glory. Also, I can rejoice in my sufferings, knowing they work patience in my life. And patience produces endurance and when I endure, I get Your approval which gives me hope. Thank You Jesus for pouring Your love into my heart by the Holy Spirit whom You gave me. In Your Name I pray, Amen."
Here's a few more to think on...
5. God's Love 5:5-8
6. Salvation From Future Wrath 5:9-10
7. Reconciliation With God 5:11
Benefits of Justification:
1. Peace With God 5:1
"Therefore, having been justified by faith..." That one phrase summarizes Paul's entire argument of ch.1-4. "We have [benefit #1] peace with God." We were enemies with God (v.10), but now are at peace with God as a result of justification by faith. The war is over. The arms of rebellion have been laid down. This speaks of a new relationship that exist between God and those who place their faith in Him. To have peace with God means to be in a relationship with God in which all the hostility caused by sin has been removed.
2. Access To God 5:2
The Jew was kept from God's presence by the veil in the Temple, and the Gentile was kept out by a wall in the Temple courtyard with a warning that read: 'if any Gentile went beyond this point he would be killed.' But when Jesus died, He tore the veil (Luke 23:45) and broke down the wall (Eph.2:14). Now, in Christ, believing Jews and Gentiles have access to God, and we can draw on the inexhaustible riches of His grace.
3. Glorious Hope 5:2b
"Peace with God" takes care of the past. The war is over. "Access to God" takes care of the present; "hope of the glory of God" takes care of the future. One day we'll stand in His glory!
4. Christian Character 5:3-4
Justification is no escape from the trials of life. Jesus said, "In this world ye shall have tribulation." (John 16:33). But for the believer, trials work for him and not against him. Suffering builds Christian, Christ-like character.
Prayer:
"Lord Jesus, now that I am declared right with You by faith, I can experience lasting peace. Since my faith in Jesus, I can enter Your grace, I can boast of looking forward to Your glory. Also, I can rejoice in my sufferings, knowing they work patience in my life. And patience produces endurance and when I endure, I get Your approval which gives me hope. Thank You Jesus for pouring Your love into my heart by the Holy Spirit whom You gave me. In Your Name I pray, Amen."
Here's a few more to think on...
5. God's Love 5:5-8
6. Salvation From Future Wrath 5:9-10
7. Reconciliation With God 5:11
posted by Royce Hendry at
6:01 AM
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