Romans 5:1-5

Romans 5:1-5 WHY TRUE BELIEVERS CAN REJOICE Intro: Thus far in Romans, Paul has spent considerable time detailing man's need for salvation. We have learned that man is a sinner and that he abides under the wrath of God. We have learned that nothing associated with religion, works, the Law, or with rituals can ever provide salvation to humanity. We have seen that we are totally dependent upon faith to bring us into a right relationship with the Lord. It all comes down to realizing that it is not what we do that makes the difference in the saving of our souls, it is all about Who we know. When we know Jesus, we have salvation, when we do not know Jesus, we are lost, 1 John 5:12. With this truth firmly nailed down, Paul now moves forward in his discussion of the doctrines of salvation. Now, Paul begins to tell his readers the benefits of being saved by grace through faith. In these first 5 verses of chapter 5, Paul tells us Why True Believers Can Rejoice in their salvation. It is that theme that I want to spend some time looking at this evening. I want to tell you Why True Believers Can Rejoice. If you haven't been in a rejoicing mood lately, I want to show you why every child of God has the right to praise the Lord and be filled with "joy unspeakable and full of glory", 1 Peter 1:8.

I. V. 1a OUR POSITION AS BELIEVERS (Ill. The first reason we have for rejoicing is that of our position in Christ Jesus. Notice what this great verse says about our position.) A. Our Position Declared - Paul says that we who have believed have been "justified". This is a word that many do not fully understand. Basically, it means "to count someone righteous." It means "to reckon, to account, to judge, to treat, or to look upon as righteous." It does not mean to make righteous! It does mean that we are treated like we were righteous. (Ill. We are all sinners! Even though most of us claim to be Christians, we are still sinners! Justification does not mean that God is not aware of our sins. It does mean that in spite of our sins, God treats us as though we were not sinners. Even though we are unrighteous and wicked, God treats us as though we were as righteous and pure as He is Himself.) (Ill. How is this possible? It happens because when the Lord Jesus died on the cross, He paid for ALL of our sins. Then when we receive Him as our Savior, God gives us the righteousness of Christ, 2 Cor. 5:21. Justification does not mean that we are perfect, it just means that God sees us as though we were!) (Ill. Imagine a man on trial for murder. The prosecution knows he is guilty, the defendant knows he is guilty and even the judge knows he is guilty, but the jury finds him not guilty. Even though nearly everyone in that courtroom knows the man is guilty of murder, he is treated like an innocent person because he has been declared innocent. When I stand before the Lord, I know I am guilty, the devil knows I am guilty and God knows I am guilty. However, because I have trusted Jesus, God treats me as though I was innocent because He has justified me!) (Ill. If this truth ever dawned in the depths of our souls, it would change us forever!)

B. Our Position Described - How did this great miraculous and fantastic justification come about in your life and mine? By faith! We didn't earn it! We didn't deserve it! All we did was take God at His Word concerning the Person and Work of the Lord Jesus and God justified us by faith!(Ill. I am grateful this evening that salvation is the product of faith alone! If it relied on my ability to perform, I would be lost. If it required me to keep a list of rules perfectly, I would be lost. If it required me be a good person, I would be lost. Thank God, it is all by faith!)

I. Our Position As Believers

II. V. 1b-2 OUR POSSESSIONS AS BELIEVERS (Ill. In these verses, Paul lists for us some of the benefits of justification. Because we are considered righteous by the Lord, there are certain things that belong to us tonight. These possessions are very precious and should never be taken for granted, but we should meditate on them and allow them to be the catalyst for rejoicing in the Lord.) A. V. 1b We Possess Acceptance - According to Paul, salvation brings with it peace with God! This is a truth that can hardly be understood by our mortal minds! You see, every lost person is the enemy of God, Rom. 8:7. But, when that lost person turns to Jesus Christ by faith, God declares an end to the hostilities! God declares peace. He them brings that person into a right relationship with Himself. When Jesus is trusted by faith, that person enjoys immediate peace with God. What does this mean? 1. God's wrath is turned away - Rom. 5:9. 2. Heaven is satisfied - 1 John 2:2 3. Old enemies have been reconciled - 2 Cor. 5:18

(Ill. There is an expression that I have heard many people use over the years. It involves "Making peace with God." I read about an old saint who was dying. He was visited by a friend who asked him, "Have you made you peace with God?" The man replied, "No, I haven't." To that his friend said, "What! Oh you must make peace with God." "I'm sorry, I cannot do that.", replied the dying man. His friend said, "But you must! Don't you know that it is dangerous to die without making peace with God?" To this, the dying man said, "But how can I make peace with God? My Lord made peace with me 2,000 years ago when He died on the cross, and I accepted it. I have had peace ever since!" This man understood the truth of Colossians 1:20, "And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.") (Ill. We don't make peace with God, He made peace with us at the cross. Now, we must accept that and when we do, we are given peace with God. This is the first permanent blessing the every child of God receives at the very instant of salvation. We are accepted by God!

We are at peace with Him!)

B. V. 2a We Possess Access - This verse teaches us the truth that through Jesus Christ, we have direct access to God Himself. The word "access" means "to enter the presence of the king." Through Jesus, we have the right to enter into the very presence of the God of Heaven without fear! We have access to the Heavenly Father!

(Ill. This must have been a radical idea to Paul's readers. Most of them came from a religious background that demanded that a respectful distance be maintained between the worshiper and God. Think for a minute about the Temple! Gentiles were restricted to the outer court of the Temple. If they went any further in, they could be executed. Women were restricted to "The Court Of Women". Then, there was the "Holy Place". Where only the priests could minister. Beyond this, there was the "Holy of Holies". Only the High Priest was permitted to enter this room, and then only once per year on the Day of Atonement, and he could not enter without the blood of an innocent sacrifice. The message was crystal clear: "Keep Your Distance!")

(Ill. Paul's message is that through Jesus, we have full access to the Father in Heaven!)

(Ill. A little boy once stood outside the gate of Buckingham Palace in London. He wanted to talk to the king, but was sternly turned away by the guards at the gate. As he stood there crying, a well-dressed man approached him and asked the little fellow why he was so upset. The little boy told the man his story. When he had heard the reason behind the little boy's tears, he smiled and said, "Here, hold my hand, sonny. I'll get you in. Just you never mind those soldier!" The little boy took the strangers hand and together they approached the gate. When the soldiers saw them coming, they all snapped to attention and open wide the gate for the stranger and the little boy to enter. He was lead through the gate, across the courtyard, down carpeted hallways and through open doors, until finally, he was brought into the very presence of the king himself. What got him there? He was holding the right hand! You see, the kind stranger was none other than the Prince of Wales, the king's own son.) (Folks, There is only one way to Heaven: Jesus, John 14:6. If we are holding His hand, we will have no trouble entering the presence of the Father!)

C. V. 2b We Possess Assurance - Not only is there peace with God and access into God presence, but the believer also enjoys blessed, deep-settled assurance of salvation. Notice that the assurance we have is two-fold. 1. Assurance Here - Notice the phrase, "grace wherein we now stand." The word "stand" carries the idea of permanence, of being firmly fixed and immovable. Basically, this verse teaches us that we are absolutely secure in the Lord Jesus Christ. In other words, this verse is all about our eternal security as believers.

(Ill. The eternal security of the believer is a doctrine that many do not hold to this evening. Many people prefer to believe that a person can be saved and then, somehow, they can lose their salvation and need to be saved all over again. These folks laugh at us Bible believers who affirm the security of the believer. And, one of the main problems they express with the doctrine is that it leads to loose living among many who profess to be eternally saved. Sadly, they are right! Many use the eternal security of the believer as a license to commit sin. However, the person who lives such a life neither understands eternal security, nor does he understand salvation! Our security in Christ leads the genuine believer to live a clean, holy life. A life of gratitude to the One Who paid the ultimate price to provide salvation in the first place.)

(Ill. According to verse one, we are saved, or justified, by faith right? That is, we did not earn, buy or get it as a reward. Salvation was given as a gift! Okay, if that is true, then verse two says that we "stand" (firmly affixed) by grace. In other words, it was faith that saved the soul, and it is grace that keeps the soul! To say that we are saved by trusting Jesus and then, after that, we must keep ourselves saved, is a total contradiction. If I can keep myself saved, why don't I just go ahead and do the whole job? The answer? I can't do either! I was saved by grace and I am kept by grace, 1 Pet. 1:5. It is all God all the way!) (Ill. Note Romans 8:31-34. These verses tell us that the highest court in the universe has declared the believer to be justified. Where is the court that can over turn that verdict?) (Ill. There is always someone who wants to ask what if this or what if that. Well, regardless of the if, the child of God is still secure in Jesus! Notice the following: 1. What if I deny Him? - 2 Tim. 2:13 2. What if I cannot hold out? - Phil. 1:6; Jude 24; Gal. 3:3 3. What if I sin after I am saved? - Col. 2:13-14; Rom. 5:20; 1 John 1:9 4. What if it is you are wrong? - John 6:37 Hey, I've got some "what if's". What if we stopped looking for a reason not to believe and just started taking the Lord at His Word? What if we just believed that the same God Who was powerful enough to save us was also able to keep us? What if we just let "eternal" mean "eternal"? What if we just let "everlasting" mean "everlasting"? What if we just rejoiced in the salvation we have in Him and rested in the blessed assurance that is ours by faith? What if we just stopped looking for a reason to doubt God and just took Him at His Word? (Ill. The bottom line is that you can have absolute assurance here!) 2. Assurance Hereafter - Just as sure as we can know and believe that we are saved and secure in this life, so too, we can have that same assurance beyond this life. Eternal security extends beyond the grave - Rom. 8:29-30. From these verses, it is plain to see that our security has already been planned by God. That is why we can say this evening that we are as sure for Heaven as if we had already been there 10,000 years! I. Our Position As Believers II. Our Possessions As Believers

III. V. 3-5 OUR PRIVILEGES AS BELIEVERS (Ill. We are saved and we are secure, but right now, we live in a world of trials and tribulations. We need help tonight in these areas as well. Notice some of the great privileges that are our as believers in Jesus Christ.) A. V.3a The Ability To Rejoice In Trouble - Paul says that the Christian can rejoice in the bad times of life. Why is this true? Because of the little word "knowing". When the trials of life descend, the true believer knows that God is working our His will in our lives and is attempting to produce in us a state of Christlikeness. God is trying to make us like Jesus. (Ill. The word "tribulations" means "pressure". There are certainly times when this life will exert pressure on the child of God. However, the mature Christian also knows that it takes pressure to produce Christlikeness. Pressure is the process used to turn coal into diamonds. And, it is pressure in the life of the believer that forces out more of the old, sinful nature and reveals more of the image of God.)

(You see, we can rejoice in trouble if we will remember that every trial is a blessing from the very hand of God, Rom. 8:28. That is will produce in us more of the image of Jesus. That when we have been chosen to suffer for Him, He is merely helping us become more like Him. With that in mind, it is easier to endure the difficult days.)

B. V. 3b-5a The Ability To Recognize Our Troubles - In this section, Paul tells us all about the benefits derived from the "pressures" of life. Note the progression mentioned in these verses. 1. Tribulation - Pressure 2. Patience - Endurance 3. Experience - Proven Character or Maturity 4. Hope - The confident expectation that we will not be disappointed. Basically, what Paul is saying is that when troubles come in our lives as a result of our walk with the Lord, we learn to endure and through endurance we are matured and proven in our character, then as we see God sustain us in the difficult time, we can rest in the deep settled knowledge that He is in control and will see us through. Ill. Simply stated, the more we endure for Jesus, the more we become like Him! And that is a good thing! (Ill. You can mark this down, "The road to maturity is paved with struggle!" Just as any growing saint of God. 1. Ask Abraham and he will point to Mt. Moriah. 2. Ask Jacob and he will point to a pillow of stone. 3. Ask Joseph and he will point to a Egyptian prison. 4. Ask Moses and he will point to the backside of the desert. 5. Ask the three Hebrew children and they will point to a fiery furnace. 6. Ask Daniel and he will point to a den of lions. 7. Ask Peter and he will point to a Roman fire and his three denials. 8. Ask John and he will point to Patmos. 9. Ask any believer who has traveled far with Jesus and he will tell you that "God's blessings are poured from a bitter cup!" C. V. 5b The Ability To Rest In Our Troubles - If life is to be difficult and there is to be trouble in my life, then how can I rejoice and how can I rest? The answer lies in this verse. Paul tells us that the love of God, like a vast river, is constantly being poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit! When we were saved, God placed His Spirit into us. The Holy Spirit is like a conduit through which streams vast quantities of the great love of God. (Ill. As we go through this life, there will be many difficult days. However, as we face all the things that will come our way, we always have the precious Holy Spirit in us to guide us, to teach us, to constantly remind us of the awesome love of God for His children. He makes the trip bearable! He makes the destination believable. If we will but learn to rest in the Spirit of God, He has the power to keep our hearts in perfect peace, regardless of how difficult the way becomes, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.", Isa. 26:3.) Conc: If you ask me, these reasons are more than sufficient to give every child of God justification to rejoice in God and in His salvation. I am sure the Lord has spoken to some hearts this evening. Maybe you aren't saved and want to get in on justification. Jesus is available is you will come to Him by faith. Maybe you have been worried over doubts concerning your eternal security as a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. There is help in Him if you will come. Maybe you have been going through trials and tribulations and they have just about got the better of you. Why not bring them to Jesus and let Him let you understand that He is just duplicating His life in you? If there are needs, this altar is the place where they will be met. Will you come if the Lord is speaking to your heart?

The Benefits of Justification # 15

Romans 5: 1-5 It is evident by the world around us that society doesn’t understand or appreciate our relationship with Christ. They cannot understand why we would give of our time on Sunday or Wednesday evenings to gather for worship. Why would we work all week and give of our hard earned money to the church? Many would argue there is no real benefit in being involved with the local church or serving the Lord. I would never advocate serving the Lord solely for the benefits He provides, but there is no doubt that having a relationship with Christ is very beneficial. We do give of our time and our money, but a relationship with Christ is not one-sided. In fact, I am convinced we receive far more than we give. The benefits and blessings far outweigh any sacrifice we make. There is much reserved for us when this life is through, but we don’t have to wait until we get to heaven to reap the benefits of salvation. As we move through our text verses, I trust you will be reminded of the many benefits we have in Christ. If you’ve never been saved, I pray you will discover what you’re missing.

Let’s examine:

The Benefits of Justification.

I. The Truth of Justification (1) – Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Here Paul discusses the abiding truth of justification.

He speaks of:

A. The Source (1a) – Therefore being justified by faith…He has spent much time refuting the doctrines of justification being obtained through fulfilling the mandates of the law, works of the flesh, and keeping of ordinances. He had proclaimed time and again that justification is a matter of faith, not works. That great truth is emphasized again.

 We have discussed this on several occasions, but it bears repeating. The world seeks justification by a host of means. The idea of works achieving righteousness continues today. I trust we have grasped the truth concerning justification. It is obtained through faith. The very nature of justification eliminates works from the process. It is “being declared righteous by God.” It isn’t that we earned or deserved justification, but God declares us righteous through faith in Christ. We are accepted of God as the righteousness of Christ is imputed by faith.

B. The Serenity (1b) – Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God. Paul seeks to amplify the benefits of justification by faith. Those who are justified experience peace with God. Realization of this truth is liberating. Many of the Jews sought to appease God through their works or in keeping the law. They lived life hoping enough was accomplished to satisfy God, but there was never any real peace or rest. When they came to end of the way, the hoped their works would be enough, but there was no certainty.

 If there was any doubt, that line of thinking has been thoroughly refuted through our previous studies. We know that works cannot obtain righteousness. However many continue down that path. I have talked with folks about their eternal destiny, and some admit they hope they will be received of God. Very likely these are depending on works rather than living by faith. In salvation through faith, one can have peace with God.

 In sin we realize our condemned state. We know that God is holy and demands absolute righteousness. Prior to salvation we lived in fear of standing before God and facing His righteous judgment. Having been justified by faith, the fear is gone, being replaced with peace. I am not depending upon my works or deeds to appease God. I am depending on the fact that I have been declared righteous of God by faith. That results in genuine peace that will endure when one faces death or great difficulty!

Eph.2:14-15 – For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; [15] Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace.

C. The Savior (1b) – Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. In case there was any doubt or lack of remembrance, Paul reminds the reader of the significance of Christ our Lord, Savior and Redeemer of our souls. Had Christ not come as the sacrifice for sin there would have been no atonement. Had He not bore our sin in His body, suffering the righteous judgment of God there would have been no appeasement for sin. There would be no salvation and we would yet remain in sin without hope. We are justified by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

 Being justified of God and possessing real peace with Him is only obtained through Christ. It is impossible to be justified apart from Christ. To deny Christ is to deny salvation, thus resulting in eternal condemnation. There is no alternate method of justification before God.

II. The Treasure of Justification (2) – By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Consider this great treasure.

We see:

A. Our Access (2a) – By whom also we have access by faith into this grace…Prior to the cross of Calvary, access to God was limited. He dwelt behind the veil of the temple. The high priest served as man’s representative to God and the prophets served as God’s representative to man. The average person had no access to the presence of God. By justification in Christ through faith we now have access unto the Lord. As He fulfilled the work of redemption on the cross, the veil of the Temple was torn apart. The believer no longer has to depend on someone else to intercede on their behalf. We can directly and personally approach the throne of grace through Christ. Heb.4:16 – Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Eph.3:12 – In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.

B. Our Assurance (2b) – By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand. Paul sought to instill great boldness in the faith within believers. In Christ there was no reason for fear. There was no reason for apprehension concerning works or personal achievement. The believer stands within the grace of God through Christ. We have been accepted into the beloved through salvation. We have full access to the throne of God. We can approach Him at any time, under any circumstance and make our requests known. Those who are born again in Christ are eternally secure in Him. We have been adopted into the family of God and that will never change!

 That offers great assurance in an ever changing world. There is much in this life that we can’t depend on. Our lives deal with change and adversity continually. Institutions and services we thought were secure often change or completely fail. We have no fear in the Lord. We have been placed in His grip of grace and He will never leave nor forsake us. We can approach Him in full assurance of His ability to meet whatever need we have.

C. Our Abundance (2c) – By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Paul simply reminds the believer of the eternal hope available in Christ. The world would continue to bring difficulty and disappointment. If we fix our eyes on the circumstances of life, it is easy to become discouraged. We are reminded of the glorious hope we have in the Lord. This life and the troubles associated with it will not last forever. We have the gracious promise of eternal life through Christ our Lord. He is coming again to take us to heaven, where we will dwell with Him eternally. We have reason to rejoice.

 I am convinced we cannot fully comprehend all we have in Christ, but I am aware of enough to create an attitude of rejoicing. I do not know what my future holds, but I know the Lord holds my future. Regardless of what I face, I am in Christ. One day I will fold this tent of flesh and enter His glorious presence. The world has nothing to offer that can compare with the abundance received in Christ!

III. The Triumph of Justification (3-5)

A. Our Perception (3a) – And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also. Many of the believers in Paul’s day faced great persecution for their faith. It was easy to focus on the difficulties and pain while missing the blessings of God. Paul reminds them to maintain a proper perspective. Troubles and trials would remain, but they didn’t have to define their existence. Trouble and adversity may affect our physical and emotional state, but they don’t change our spiritual standing. Christ is Lord of the storm as well. Even in the face of adversity, we can rejoice in our blessed hope! Rom.8:28 –

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

B. Our Patience (3b-5a) – And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; [4] And patience, experience; and experience, hope: [5 ]And hope maketh not ashamed. Paul urges the believer to remain steadfast in trials. Don’t give up, but patiently wait on the Lord. This reveals the benefit of trials in our lives. I know this is contrary to popular thinking, but it is biblical. Tribulations, literally being crushed under pressure, works patience in our lives. Patience speaks of “bearing up under a load; endurance.” As tribulations work patience, patience brings experience. Experience speaks of “character, integrity, and strength.” Experience makes us stronger as we walk with the Lord. Our experience results in hope. Hope speaks of “desiring good with an expectation of receiving; confident anticipation.” Hope never results in shame. It never disappoints, deceives, or confuses. Hope provides more confidence in Christ.

 Trials are difficult; and we don’t enjoy them, but if we patiently endure, there is great benefit. We must learn to trust the Lord and follow Him.

C. Our Peace (5b) – because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. In our introduction we discussed the world’s confusion regarding believers. They are also confused as they watch us endure trials. They cannot understand how we face adversity with such peace and confidence. Paul reveals the truth behind that here. We are filled with the love of God and guided by His Holy Spirit. We face nothing that God cannot handle and the Spirit cannot guide us through. Facing the troubles of life is never easy, but we can face them in full assurance of triumph in Christ. We are more than conquerors through Christ who loved us! Conclusion: I hope you have gained a better understanding of the benefits of a relationship with Christ. There is much being prepared for us in heaven, but we are afforded great benefits in this life as well through Christ. There is no reason for a believer to miss out on the advantages available in Christ. They are available for all who seek Him. However, these benefits are reserved for those who know Christ as Lord through salvation. If you don’t know Christ, you don’t enjoy these benefits. Seek Him in salvation so that you too can obtain victory in Jesus!