Romans: The Joys of Justification
As we dive into Romans chapter 5, we find the Apostle Paul articulating what can be best described as the joyous results of justification. This chapter serves as a pivotal point in Paul's epistle that explains the profound consequences of being justified through faith in Christ. Paul has meticulously laid a foundation in the preceding chapters of Romans, a groundwork upon which the profound truths of chapter 5 stand. In Romans 1:16, he declares his unwavering commitment to the Gospel, citing its power to save everyone who believes, both Jew and Gentile. This Gospel reveals God's righteousness, a crucial gift, as Paul argues, given our inherent lack of righteousness and the impending wrath of God that comes with it.
In chapters 1, 2, and 3, Paul delves deep into the human condition, highlighting our universal struggle with sin. Whether Jew or Gentile, he reveals the unrighteousness that plagues us all. He speaks of the law, not as a means to attain righteousness through our efforts — an impossible feat — but as a tool to reveal our inability to achieve holiness on our own. The law, in essence, demonstrates our desperate need for help, for forgiveness, for a Savior. Circumcision is also discussed not as a means of salvation but as an outward symbol of a deeper spiritual truth: faith.
Justification, Paul argues, is not a result of our works or observance of rituals but is rooted in faith in Christ's sacrifice and resurrection. He uses Abraham as a prime example of this justification by faith, setting the stage for the profound benefits that stem from this truth. The beauty of the Gospel is that it does not end with salvation. It is similar to a healthy marriage, which begins with the joy of the wedding and honeymoon but grows and matures over time. This analogy beautifully captures the essence of our journey with Christ. The initial joy of knowing Christ in salvation is just the beginning. The real beauty lies in the maturing joys of justification, which we will explore in the first five verses of Romans 5.
However, Paul warns of a potential pitfall: treating our experience with the Gospel like a short-lived, unhealthy marriage. The maturing joys of justification are lost to those who fail to invest in their relationship with Christ, who neglect to abide in His presence, or refuse to immerse themselves in the community of believers. In Romans 5, Paul introduces us to three key aspects of justification, each a cornerstone in understanding the depth and breadth of this divine gift. We will explore these aspects and uncover how they shape our lives and faith. Justification is not merely a theological concept to be understood but a transformative reality to be experienced and cherished. It invites us into a dynamic, growing relationship with God, where the joys of our faith mature and flourish over time.
1. Because You Have Been Justified, You Have Peace With God
In Romans chapter 5, the Apostle Paul presents the first profound benefit of our justification: peace with God. This concept, far from being a mere theological abstract, carries profound implications for our relationship with God. Justification, as Paul describes it, is often perceived as a legal term — a declaration of righteousness by God, made possible through Jesus taking our legal penalty. However, this understanding only scratches the surface. Justification is more than a legal declaration; it is a transformational reality. In Christ, we are not just declared righteous; we become righteous. The righteousness of Jesus is imputed to us, fundamentally altering our status before God.
The peace that comes with this justification is not merely a ceasefire or truce, as one might find in earthly conflicts. It is not the temporary, superficial peace we might feign with a family member during the holidays. True peace, as Paul explains, is about relationship restoration. It is a peace that God desired and purchased for the purpose of reconciling with us — a relationship that lasts forever, surpassing mere tolerance or temporary coexistence. This true peace involves a complete transformation of our relationship with God. Where once there was enmity, now there is harmony. The peace Paul speaks of is characterized by a genuine desire for God’s presence, a longing to be in communion with Him, mirroring the relationship Adam and Eve initially had with God in the Garden. It is a peace that revels in the presence of the Divine, empty of any remnants of hostility.
Central to this peace is the concept of forgiveness. Forgiveness, in this context, is not based on the merit of the forgiven but on the grace bestowed through Christ. Just as we are called to forgive others, not because they have earned it, but because Christ has paid the penalty on their behalf, so too has God extended this forgiveness to us. Our peace with God is rooted in His desire to forgive us, a desire fulfilled through the sacrifice of Jesus. This peace is another way to express what theologians call reconciliation. Through Christ, we, who were once enemies of God, are now His children. The relationship has been restored, not just superficially, but in the deepest, most profound sense.
2. Because You Have Been Justified, You Now Have Access to God
The Apostle Paul then introduces us to the second monumental benefit of our justification: direct access to God. This concept is transformative, fundamentally altering our relationship with the Divine. Paul draws a parallel between our relationship with God and the relationship of a loving father and his child. Just as a child has unrestrained access to their father, so too do we, as justified children of God, have access to Him at any time. This access is not limited by our physical location, circumstances, or even our failings. It is as constant and assured as a child's access to a loving parent.
This access parallels the pre-fall relationship between God and His creation in the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve enjoyed uninterrupted communion with God before sin severed this connection. Now, through the cross and resurrection of Christ, this access has been restored. We are invited back into constant connection with the God of the universe. In practical terms, this access means that when we pray, God hears us. Our prayers are not mere utterances into the void but conversations with a Father who listens intently. The Holy Spirit residing within us facilitates this access, ensuring that we are never alone and always heard.
Yet, often we misunderstand or neglect this access. We may distance ourselves from God when prayers seem unanswered or when His timeline does not align with ours. This reaction, inherently human, reflects a limited understanding of our relationship with God. It is vital to remember that God’s responses to our prayers are not always about us; they are part of a larger, divine narrative where God is the central character, not us. The real benefit of our access to God is not necessarily getting the answers we desire; it is the privilege of the access itself. This access allows us to bring our joys, trials, and burdens to God, confident that He bears them with us. It is a companionship that assures us we do not face life's challenges alone.
Our approach to God should be one of humble confidence. Just as a child approaches their earthly father with trust and respect, we are called to approach God with the same attitude. We should never hesitate to approach Him, yet always do so with the reverence and gratitude He deserves. The beauty of our access to God is perfectly illustrated in the Lord’s Prayer. Jesus begins with “Our Father,” an intimate term, yet immediately acknowledges God’s holiness and sovereignty. This balance of intimacy and reverence encapsulates our justified status: we are children of a King, beloved yet respectful. Access to God is a privilege that invites us to engage with our Heavenly Father constantly, with a heart full of humility and a spirit of confidence. In Christ, we have not only peace with God but also the assurance of His ever-present ear and heart, ready to listen, guide, and comfort us.
3. Because You Have Been Justified, You Can Rejoice When Suffering and Have Hope
Finally, the Apostle Paul reveals yet another remarkable aspect of our justification: the capacity to rejoice in suffering and maintain hope. This concept, while challenging, is central to the Christian experience and offers profound insights into the transformative power of faith. The idea of finding joy or pride in hardship is counterintuitive, especially when viewed through the lens of worldly happiness, which often ties joy to temporary, material things. Paul, however, invites us to a deeper understanding of joy — one that transcends the fleeting pleasures of the world and endures through suffering.
Paul asserts that tribulation brings about perseverance, and perseverance, proven character; and from character, hope emerges. This sequence illustrates a spiritual metamorphosis: hardship, rather than being a punitive measure from God, serves as a tool for our growth and strengthening. It is through enduring trials that we develop resilience, humility, and a deeper character, all of which culminate in a profound sense of hope. The life of Paul himself exemplifies this principle. His experiences, particularly in Acts chapter 14, where he faced near death, highlight how perseverance in faith can lead to remarkable outcomes. Paul's ability to continue preaching the Gospel, even after such tribulations, demonstrates how trust in God can convert suffering into a source of strength and purpose.
Hope, in the Christian sense, is not just wishful thinking. It is a confident expectation of good yet to come. It is a hope that has sustained countless believers through dark and challenging times, a hope that is anchored in the trustworthiness of God. Paul emphasizes that this hope does not disappoint, as it is rooted in the love of God poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit. This hope is likened to an anchor for the soul, a stabilizing force in the storms of life. Just as the USS Intrepid was anchored firmly during Hurricane Sandy to withstand the tempest, so too does our hope in Christ anchor us. It allows us to stand firm when the winds of life blow, ensuring that we are not swept away by the trials and tribulations of this world.
The third pillar of our justification, then, is the ability to rejoice in suffering and maintain hope. This truth challenges us to view our trials not as mere obstacles but as opportunities for spiritual growth and deepening faith. In Christ, we find the strength to persevere, the character that comes from endurance, and the unshakeable hope that anchors our souls. Justification is not only about peace with God or access to Him; it is also about transforming our most challenging experiences into sources of strength, character, and hope.