ROMANS 5:1-5
1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; 4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; 5 and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Paul's message to the Romans in verses 1 thru 8 is that a man is justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the Law. Righteousness
is by Christ alone, and when a person believes in Christ, he/she becomes dead to sin and the law and alive in Christ. The Holy Spirit sanctifies
the believer and empowers him/her to live a holy life. A relationship with Christ brings the inherent assurance of salvation from sin.
The life of the justified is a mix of peace, hope, suffering, and love
Verse 1…we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ…The early manuscript true reading here starts, "Let us have peace…"Either way,
peace is a present possibility for those who have been made justified before God. Justice and peace simply go together.
Paul says, “We boast in our hope of sharing God’s glory.” Hope is an amazing, powerful thing and a necessity for Christians. Because of what
God did for us, we can hope in the midst of trial and tribulations because we know that we have not been left as hopeless children without a
loving father. We the promise from God that He will return for His children. Knowing this, we have hope for what is to come.
Concerning tribulation, Paul is not saying we should rejoice because we are suffering, rather, we should rejoice because God proves Himself
true through our most difficult times. The Holy spirit, which the Lord gave us, fills us with His peace, hope and love.
Christ has acted out God’s love for us. It is that same love of the same God that the Spirit pours out to, and through, us. Suffering cannot
take that away!