| Benefits
of Justification
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Justification by God's grace through faith was the theme of Romans 3:21-4:25.
How does "having been justified" change a person's life? Read Romans
5:1-11. 1.
In verses1-2, Paul mentions some benefits of justification. What are they?
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Paul writes, "we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ"
(5:1, NIV). In verse 10, he writes, "we were reconciled to [God] through
the death of his Son." In verse 11, he says, "we have now received reconciliation"
through our Lord Jesus Christ.
2. Why is reconciliation with God so significant (important and full of meaning)?
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Paul writes, "And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God" (5:2b,
NIV). This "hope" is a sure confidence based on the faithfulness of
God. The "glory of God" refers to God's radiant magnificence. God created
humans "in His own image" (Genesis 1:27) to reflect His glory. But "all
sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). However, those
who have been justified will be restored and share in the glory of God in the
future (8:17, 18, 30). Suffering
& Hope
•
After saying, "we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God," Paul says,
"Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings" (5:2b-3a). 3.
Why does Paul say this? How does suffering result in hope? Does it always result
in hope? If not, why?
Love
& Hope
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The death of Jesus Christ is mentioned repeatedly in this passage (5:6, 8, 9,
10). His death made justification and reconciliation possible. It also reveals
the character of God. 4.
If you knew that giving your life could save someone else's life, what type of
person would you die for? What type of people did Christ die for? (5:6, 8, 10)
5.
Paul mentions God's love in verses 5 and 8. In what different ways is God's love
revealed? How are these ways different from one another?
Reason
for Hope
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In verses 9-10, Paul presents two "how much more arguments" which apply
to believers. *
Since
we have been justified by Christ's sacrificial death, how much more shall we be
saved from God's wrath (referring to God's final judgment).
* If, when
we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to Him through Christ's sacrificial
death, how much more shall we be saved through his life!
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Certainly, believers in Christ have great reason for hope! Because of this hope,
we have great reason to rejoice, even in times of trouble and suffering (5:2b,
3a, 11).
Reflection/Application
†
What is your hope for the future? What is your ultimate (greatest, final) hope?
How certain is your hope? Does it help you rejoice, even in times of suffering?
According to the Bible, the only hope that truly delivers is "hope in the
glory of God." This hope comes through faith in Jesus Christ. Have you trusted
in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord?
†
As a Christian, are you rejoicing? If not, maybe you have lost touch with hope.
Maybe you are focusing more on your circumstances than on our Lord Jesus Christ.
Meditate on Romans 5:1-11 and ask God to strengthen your hope so that you can
consistently rejoice in the hope of the glory of God, even in times of suffering
(read Romans 8:18). Bridge
to Lesson 5
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Christ's death made justification and reconciliation possible. How could one person's
sacrifice bring salvation to so many people? Paul addresses this question in 5:12-21.
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Through one man (Adam), sin and death entered the world. Adam's disobedience resulted
in alienation (broken relationship) with God, and this alienation was passed down
to all his descendents. Sin, death, judgment and condemnation came to all people
(5:15-19).
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However, Jesus Christ (the greater man) overcame the effects of Adam's sin. By
his obedience, Christ conquered sin and death. Through one man (Jesus), grace,
justification, righteousness, and eternal life come to all who receive God's gift
(5:15-19).
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A person is either "in Adam" (under sin and death) or "in Christ"
(under grace and life). | 