Passage: Romans 5:1-5 (ESV)
“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”
Exegesis and Key Themes
- Peace with God Through Justification by Faith (Romans 5:1)
Paul begins with the transformative truth that being justified by faith gives us peace with God through Jesus Christ. This peace is not merely an absence of conflict but a restored relationship with God, free from the guilt and wrath of sin (Colossians 1:20).
Cross-reference: Isaiah 53:5, which describes Jesus as the “Prince of Peace.” - Grace in Which We Stand (Romans 5:2a)
Through Jesus, believers have access to God’s grace—a state of undeserved favor in which they continually stand. This grace is not temporary but a permanent position secured by Christ’s righteousness (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Cross-reference: Hebrews 4:16, which encourages approaching the throne of grace with confidence. - Rejoicing in the Hope of God’s Glory (Romans 5:2b)
Paul points to the future hope believers have in the glory of God—a confident expectation of sharing in God’s eternal glory (1 John 3:2).
Cross-reference: 2 Corinthians 3:18, which describes believers being transformed into God’s image “from one degree of glory to another.” - Rejoicing in Suffering (Romans 5:3-4)
Paul explains that suffering produces endurance, character, and hope. Suffering is not meaningless but a tool for spiritual growth (James 1:2-4).
Example: Job’s perseverance through suffering (Job 1:20-22).
Cross-reference: 2 Corinthians 4:17, describing suffering as “light and momentary.” - The Assurance of God’s Love Through the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5)
Paul concludes that hope does not disappoint because God’s love has been poured into believers’ hearts through the Holy Spirit. This outpouring assures believers of God’s intimate and abiding love (Galatians 4:6).
Cross-reference: Ephesians 1:13-14, which describes the Holy Spirit as a seal of God’s promises.
Life Application
- Do I live in the peace of being justified by faith?
Reflect on whether you are resting in the peace that comes from knowing you are reconciled to God through Christ (Colossians 3:15). - Am I standing firm in grace, or striving to earn God’s favor?
Paul reminds us that we “stand” in grace. Reflect on how you can live in the freedom of standing firmly in God’s grace (Titus 3:5). - How does my hope in God’s glory shape my life?
Reflect on how this hope shapes your priorities and decisions (Philippians 3:20-21). - Do I see suffering as an opportunity for growth?
Reflect on how trials might strengthen your faith and character (Psalm 66:10-12). - Am I aware of God’s love through the Holy Spirit?
Reflect on how the Holy Spirit encourages and sustains you during difficult times (Ephesians 1:13-14).
