WHAT JUSTIFICATION PRODUCES
Rom 5:1-5
Our
justification results in a peace with God,
through the gospel of His Son.
Contrary to the Roman Catholic Church… for those who put their faith in Jesus Christ, do not have a prolonged wait for their justification. We receive Christ’s righteousness at the point of our conversion in the gospel confession. (v1)
“Since we (those who) have been justified” referring to a past action that was finished in Christ, we receive the moment we believed. The first four chapters are for everyone, but this chapter is for someone. (The child of God saved by His grace.)
Martin Luther said in a sermon on Romans 5, “The righteous man has peace with God but affliction in the world, because he lives in the Spirit. The unrighteous man has peace with the world but affliction and tribulation with God, because he lives in the flesh.”
Our peace comes through the Great Peacemaker, the Prince of Peace. “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
The
Believers Justification Through The Gospel Produces Real Peace. (v1-v2)
A Peace With God…. this is an internal peace or serenity, but also an external objective reality. It’s the same kind peace with God, "which passes all understanding" as Paul explained to the church in Philippi. Paul said this to remind the anxious believer, “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Phil 4:7. It’s that inner calm that settles the turbulence of a troubled heart. This is a peace that world cannot understand because of their blindness and ignorance to the Gospel. This is the peace that God provides and gives to His sanctified children. As Jesus said “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27. This peace is a condition in which all hostility caused by sin has been removed.
Think about this internal and external peace we have with God in light of what we know from this letter.
We were once….. Enemies of God, religious moralizers, haters of God, rebels who suppress the truth in unrighteousness. The wrath of God abides on all unrighteousness, and their wrath is being stored up on the Day of Judgment.
David said, “God is a righteous judge, and a God who feels indignation every day.” Psalm 7:11. God is outraged with sinners every day and their coming a day of Judgement.
John wrote this when Jesus was confronted with Nicodemus. “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.” John 3:36
Paul said to the church of Ephesus, “Let no one
deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon
the sons of disobedience.” Eph 5:6
But now we have a peace with God that puts us in a position of rest and fellowship with a holy God through His Son. Michael, once was an enemy, a sinner at war with God, is now not at war with God anymore. The sinner’s war with God is over through Jesus Christ. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.” 2 Cor 5:17-19
Access In His Grace…. through the Lord Jesus Christ and His redeeming work. What was once unthinkable to the Old Testament Jews is now a reality for all those who are in Christ.
In the Old Testament God told Moses that the people were not allowed to follow Him or stand at the base of the mountain. “The LORD came down on Mount Sinai, to the top of the mountain. And the LORD called Moses to the top of the mountain, and Moses went up. And the LORD said to Moses, "Go down and warn the people, lest they break through to the LORD to look and many of them perish.” Exodus 19:20-21
Something that was unthinkable became a
reality through Christ on that dark day. “And behold, the curtain of the
temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks
were split.” Matt 27:51
The vail was torn to indicate all may enter in though the blood of the Lamb. It’s because of Christ we can enter into this grace as a child of the King. Paul says “into this grace in which we stand” Usually when we see the word “grace” we think of “unmerited favor” but in this context this grace is what lies behind God’s redemption. We’re not just saved by unmerited favor, we are under His endless supply of grace.
Paul is not speaking of a “saving grace”…. but a keeping grace, previously under the Law but now we are under grace. We were once enemies or children of wrath, but now we stand within as sons and daughters.
The Hebrew writer says we can approach with boldness and because we have obtained this access on the grounds of Christ alone. “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Heb 4:16
This is why we don’t forsake the assembly of one another’s. This is why the physical assemble of the church is vital for our remembrance and joy in the Lord. “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Heb 10:19-25. Ongoing favor with God; the believer now lives in the realm of God’s benevolent grace.
A Proper Foundation In Which We Stand…. its permanent, a secure position. It’s something the believer enjoys in God’s grace.
The Apostle Paul said this to Timothy, “….But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me.” 2 Tim 1:11-12
We know this is true because “…that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Phil 1:6
It’s a foundation that will never cast out those who are His. “All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.”
John 6:37. “cast out” means, “to keeps and preserves them by his power, He will not cast them out, or thrust them from himself into Hell.” The words used here are clearly expressed in the original, "I will not, not, or never, never.” This access we have is secured and our strong foundation to which we rejoice in the access of His grace.
A Revealed Hope Of The Glory Of God…. Something that is certain, but not yet realized. We will one day share in His Glory in the future. The believers rejoice in their new identity, that we will one day share with Him. “Rejoice” Paul doesn’t use this word in the normal sense of joy or rejoicing. He uses it in a way that could be translated “Boasting” what Paul says here is that “We glory now in glory” It’s a sense of celebration now, though we haven’t been glorified in Heaven yet.
We
are to be walking billboards, a living
display of the glory of God.
Why? This is not our home. “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.” Phil 3:20-21
John said “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.” 1 John 3:1-2
Without these clear promises in Scripture there would be no reason for hope at all and the peace it brings. “For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” Rom 15:5
This Is Why We Can Endure What Paul Says Next Through The Holy Spirit. (v3-v5)
Our Justification Gives Us The Heart To Rejoice In The Midst Of Our Suffering.
“Suffering” the word used here is to refer to something that is under pressure. Something that is being squeezed of its fluids….like an orange, or an apple. It’s this reality we can endure suffering because of the access we have in His peace of His Gospel.
It’s
this reality that we can glory in our tribulations
and suffering for His glory.
Paul is not saying tribulations are fun like riding the “Mind buster” at Wonderland. He not some masochist that loves pain and suffering as a way of finding enjoyment. Paul is not saying “That suffering is pleasant and joyful and everyone should go out looking for it.” But rather he is saying, “That since we are justified through Christ and we have this access by faith, in this grace that we are able to endure it with joy.” Our suffering produce a joy that even if we lost everything, even our own life in the process, that we have the greatest treasure that is in Jesus Christ.
Remember what Jesus said? “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.” Matt 13:44-46
Because we have been redeemed, and we are justified in Christ, we are able to rejoice no matter what life brings. Even if that meant you lost everything and all you have left is Christ. As Paul said, “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”
2 Cor 4:17-18
What
we see and touch today is temporal and fleeting, but what is eternal is forever
and this is our
hope and peace as we endure suffering in this life.
The
greatest pandemic is not what the CDC, WHO
or the Canadian Government says.
It’s what the Scripture reveals about heart condition in light of the gospel and our present suffering for His glory and our growing in grace. We don’t look to what will vanish away, or be taken from us, or what could be lost in a moment. We look ahead to the glory…. that we will one day have in His presence for all eternity. Why? This Suffering Produces…..
Endurance…. this word also refers to patience and perseverance. The child of God perseverance has the ability to endure tremendous pressure. It’s a calm temper, which suffers evils without murmuring or discontent.
R C Sproul said “Tribulation puts muscle on our
souls.”
It’s continuing to work in the face of strong opposition and great obstacles. “But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Cor 12:9-10. Endurance in turn produces a character that is refined for the days ahead and for the glory of God.
Character…. The word used here is “Proof” here is the proof of the Christian character. It’s a character that has been tested and found approved. The word “proof” is used in the Greek as to test metals to determine their purity. A metalsmith uses intense heat to melt silver and gold in order to cleanse them of physical impurities. Christians can glory in tribulation, because an easy life does nothing to produce character.
James said this “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12. As one goes through tribulation which is not referring to the troubles that are common to all mankind.
But
the troubles that Christian suffer
for
the sake of Christ.
As Paul said, “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,” 2 Tim 3:12
Though we haven’t suffered much for the sake of Christ in this season.
Are
we ok with the amount of power the Government has over us in our present
culture considering the science?
Are we ok with all the Bills that the Liberal Government is trying to pass that would hinder our ability to speak freely about the things of God in the future?
Are we ok with what the culture is trying to push on our children?
Are we ok that the church is complacent to stay at home and call it worship?
Our Christian character is built when we have no alternative, but to persevere in tribulation. Because the alternative is tribulation for the sake of Christ and His Word I guess what I’m trying to say is “Are you ready to possibly lose your job, friendships, livelihood, comfort and pleasures, for the sake of Christ? I think many are not ready or willing. To do what is right Biblically, as you are refined in the fire, is to cleanse you of any spiritual impurities.
Hope Is Our Ability to stand strong…..it’s a hope that doesn’t disappoint. Where “faith” looks to what has already taken place. “Hope” according to the Scriptures is merely faith looking forward. Paul says “Hope does not put us to shame” we will never be ashamed by putting our hope in Christ But as one writer said “Hope has lost meaning….fallen humans keep making the same mistake: putting hope in people, places, and things that inevitably disappoint. As a result, we’re naturally skeptical of hope.” You and I will disappoint one another from time to time, because we have unrealistic expectations on one another. When we fail at things, or when things don’t go our way, we fall to pieces (pick your poison….a job, a project, relationship, a church) we feel shame and disappointment. This produces discouragement, despair, and unproven character. But the hope we have in Christ, we will never be disappointed or ashamed by putting our hope in Christ.
“When
the Bible uses the word “Hope” it’s in
the context of sure deliverance.”
Paul used the same language when he talked about his life in Christ. “as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Phil 1:20-21. Our hope is anchored by the Spirit, so that we are not being tossed to and fro…. but firmly planted.
“Hope
in Christ is the only hope
that
never shames us.”
Someone asked C S
Lewis “Why
do the righteous suffer?” To which he responded “Why shouldn’t the righteous
suffer? They’re the only ones who can handle it.”
This Is Only Possible Because God’s Love Has Been Poured Out Into Our Hearts Through The Holy Spirit. (v5) “poured out into our hearts” is the evidence that we belong to God. God’s love has been poured out through the gospel and our justification gives unlimited access to God In our worship to our tribulations.
Without the Spirit none of this possible.
This is the first mention of the Holy Spirit in this letter and the Spirit is connected with the act of justification. Meaning all who are justified has experienced the Holy Sprit’s presence. See! Paul is not talking about our love for God, but a love that God has for us.
It’s
God’s affections that He has put inside
of us by the Holy Spirit. This is what fuels our hope and the ability to endure tribulations. The Spirit of God. I love what R C Sproul said in reference to this verse, “He pours His love for us into our souls to such a degree that even if the rest of the world hates us we can know that He loves us and had given us hope that we will never be ashamed.”
Examples of this poured out love of God….
Paul said, “For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” Eph 3:14-19. This “pouring out” goes beyond our comprehension. It is so vast the child of God is overwhelmed but such a great love. John wrote, “….In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” 1 John 4:7-10. This is evidence that God Himself implants within our deepest being, the gospel of our salvation.
The
Spirit is one of the greatest evidences of our salvation.
“For all who are led by the
Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit
of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption
as sons, by whom we cry, "Abba! Father!" The Spirit himself bears
witness with our spirit that we are children of God,” Rom 8:14-16
Humans
by nature need hope.
What’s
more, we need true hope.
The Christian life is difficult according to what Paul writes here but it’s worth every second, every tribulation, and every pouring of God’s love. Because we have unlimited access to the God who has poured into our hearts this living hope by the Holy Spirit. A true hope that rejoices for a future glory with God. “Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." John 16:33
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