Romans 5 is a transition chapter that collects the information in the first four chapters and applies it to those that will follow.
Human sin is a central theme in the first three chapters. As a just God, He must judge sin. However, through Christ, God has also justified sinners, allowing us to be at peace with Him.
Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
Through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God (Romans 5.1-2).
When Jewish people read about “obtaining access to the grace in which we stand,” as mentioned in verse 2, they would likely think of the Most Holy Place in the temple. God’s grace now allows us to enter that sacred space.
This was symbolized by the tearing of the veil before the Holy of Holies on the day Jesus was crucified.
Gentiles likely understood this phrase as referring to entrance into the royal court. No one could approach the Roman Emperor without being summoned. Only when permission was granted could someone stand before the Emperor of Rome.
Both Jews and Gentiles recognized the abundant grace of God, which justified sinners and granted them access to the presence of God.
As we reflect on the gift of God’s justifying grace, let us approach His throne with boldness and confidence. Let us come before Him daily, meeting with the One who loves us and gave Himself for us on the cross.
Character Development
Rudy Ross has been reading a book by N.T. Wright on Romans 8. In that book, Wright notes that around a million people lived in Rome when Paul wrote his letter, and the church, by his estimate, consisted of only about 200 people.
As a small minority in the city, they were well acquainted with the suffering and persecution that came with being part of an outlawed religion in the Roman Empire.
Instead of feeling victimized by their suffering, Paul encouraged them to view their afflictions in a positive light, as these challenges would develop a stronger character in their lives.
And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,
And hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us (Romans 5.3-5).
The Greek term for endurance is a compound word that means to remain under a load. As someone who has trained with weights, I understand that increasing the weight you lift makes you stronger.
Paul is making a similar point regarding suffering. Suffering allows us to bear heavier burdens in our spiritual lives, which in turn strengthens our character.
The hope produced in Christian life is not merely wishful thinking or a vague optimism that things will go our way. Instead, biblical hope is a confident trust in God. The process of suffering, leading to endurance and the development of character, deepens our faith in God’s ability to fulfill His promises.
Experiential Religion
The Christian faith is not just about agreeing with certain beliefs about God; at its core, it is an experience of God. And what do we experience? Paul explains that through the Holy Spirit, we experience God’s love.
There are many ways we can shortchange ourselves in our relationship with God. If we view following Jesus merely as a ticket to heaven, we miss out on the fullness of what He offers. Similarly, if we only learn about God without truly experiencing Him, we do the same.
At its core, faith is about truly knowing God and living in His presence as His beloved child and friend.
YouTube Discussion
Rudy Ross and I discussed this passage on YouTube today. It is on the Bob Spradling channel.
Real Voices 