Scripture Reference: Romans 5:1-11

In the previous chapter of Romans, Paul touches on justification and here the apostle carries his case for justification forward another step by taking up the question: What are the benefits of justification in the believer’s life? In other words, does it really work? His answer is a resounding yes, as he enumerates seven major blessings that every believer possesses. These blessings flow to the believer through Christ. He is the Mediator between God and man, and all God’s gifts are channeled through Him. We will touch on all seven, one by one.

1. The first great benefit enjoyed by those of us who have been justified by faith is peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. The war is over. Hostilities have ceased. Through the work of Christ all causes of enmity between our souls and God, the Father, have been removed. We have been changed from foes to friends and heirs by a miracle of grace.

2. We have also obtained access into an indescribable position of favor with God. We are accepted in the Beloved One; therefore we are as near and dear to God as His own Beloved Son. The Father extends the golden scepter to us and welcomes us as sons, not strangers. This grace, or unmerited, unearned favor, embraces every aspect of our position before God, a position that is as perfect and permanent as Christ’s because we are abiding in Him and He is abiding in us.

3. As if that were not enough, we also rejoice in hope of the glory of God. This means that we joyfully look forward to the time when we will not only gaze on the splendor of God, but will ourselves be manifested in glory (see John 17:22; Colossians 3:4). We can’t comprehend the full significance of that hope here on earth, and I can’t imagine we will ever get over the wonder of it through all eternity.

4. The fourth blessing that flows from justification is that we have to ability to rejoice in our sufferings, not so much in their present discomforts, but rather, in their eventual results (see Hebrews 12:11). It is one of the delightful paradoxes of the Christian faith that joy can coexist with affliction. Remember, unlike “happiness,” joy is not dependent on outward circumstances. The opposite of joy is sin, not suffering. One of the by-products of sufferings (or tribulations as earlier translations term it) is that it produces endurance, steadfastness, or as the New King James Version terms, perseverance. We could never develop endurance if our lives were trouble-free.

Paul now goes on to explain that the endurance developed in us also produces character. When God sees us bearing up under our trials and looking to Him to work out His purposes through them, He awards us His “Good Endurance Seal of Approval.” We have been tested and approved. The resulting impact of this sense of His approval fills us with hope. We know He is working in our lives, developing our character. This gives us confidence that, having begun a good work in us, He will see it through to completion (Philippians 1:6).

To Be Continued

Adapted and modified excerpts from William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments.
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®, ESV © 2016 by Crossway Bibles.
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