Good morning.
Stand with me and lift your Bible and repeat after me.
This is my Bible.
I am what is says I am.
I can do what is says I can do.
Today I am going to learn more about the Word of God
The indestructible, never ending, living Word of God.
I will never be the same.
I will never be the same.
In Jesus Name.
Amen?
"The Gift of Grace and the Power of Justification"
Turn with me to Romans 5 and say. "Amen" when you are there.
Romans 5 is a powerful chapter where Paul speaks to us about God’s gift of grace, justification, and the unshakeable hope we have in Christ.
This chapter reminds us that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us, reconciling us to God. Romans 5 shows us not just how deeply we’re loved but also what that love accomplishes in our lives: peace with God, joy in suffering, and hope that will not disappoint.
1. Peace with God (Romans 5:1-2)
Paul begins in verse 1 with the words, “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” This isn’t just a temporary peace, it’s a divine peace—a lasting reconciliation with God that removes hostility and brings closeness.
Justification by faith is God declaring us righteous, not because of anything we have done but because of Jesus' sacrifice. Through Him, we are able to stand in a place of grace.
Imagine you owe a debt you can never repay, a debt that looms over you. But then someone steps in and pays it entirely. You are free. You are at peace. This is what Jesus did for us—He paid the ultimate price to bring us peace with God.
2. Joy in Suffering (Romans 5:3-5)
Verses 3-5 speak about the role of suffering in the life of a believer. Paul writes, “we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
In Christ, suffering isn’t a dead-end street; it is a path to something greater. God uses it to shape us, build us, and prepare us for His purpose.
And this isn’t a hope that will leave us ashamed or empty. It’s a hope grounded in God’s love, poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit.
Think about the way a gardener prunes a plant. It may seem harsh, cutting away so much, but the gardener knows that pruning brings growth, strength, and fruitfulness. So, it is with God in our lives—He’s pruning us, shaping us, and preparing us for what’s ahead.
3. God’s Love in Christ (Romans 5:6-8)
Verse 6 tells us, “You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.” God’s love is not only profound; it’s perfectly timed.
While we were weak, God demonstrated His love by sending His Son to die for us. This isn’t just a statement of God’s love; it’s a demonstration, an action that underscores the depths of His mercy.
Picture a rescuer pulling someone from danger. They don’t wait until the person can save themselves; they jump in while they are helpless. Jesus did just that for us, not waiting for us to clean up our lives or be worthy, but loving us fully while we were still lost in sin.
4. Assurance of Salvation and Reconciliation (Romans 5:9-11)
In the final verses of this passage, Paul assures us of the security of our salvation: “Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!” Through Jesus, we are saved not only from sin but from separation from God.
This is reconciliation in its fullness. God has restored us to Himself, and we are invited into a relationship that nothing in this world can sever.
Brothers and sisters, knowing all of this, we’re invited not just to believe it in our minds but to embrace it in our hearts. God calls us to live confidently in the power of His grace, to trust Him in our suffering, and to rest in His love. Because of what Jesus did, we have peace, hope, love, and the assurance of salvation.
Today, as we stand here in the presence of God, I invite you to take a moment and reflect on what Jesus has done for you.
This is an invitation for those who feel weighed down, for those who have struggled to accept His peace, and for those who want to experience His love in a deeper way. If you’ve never accepted Jesus or if you want to renew your relationship with Him, now is the time.
Come to the altar. Let’s pray together. Bring your burdens, your doubts, and your brokenness. The God of Romans 5—the God of peace, hope, and unfailing love—is here, and He is ready to meet you. This is a moment for new beginnings, for renewed peace, and for the embrace of God’s love.
Let us pray.
