Just- As-If

Justified by Faith: The Gift of Righteousness

Bible Passage: Romans 5:1-21

1. Peace through Perseverance

Romans 5:1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

Romans 5:2 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.

Romans 5:3 And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance;

Romans 5:4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope;

Romans 5:5 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.

Justification through faith grants us peace with God and access to grace.

The primary effect of justification for us is peace with God.

R. C. Sproul

Grace is God’s loving mercy, through which He grants salvation as a gift to those who trust in His Son.

John F. MacArthur

Even in trials, we as believers can rejoice, knowing sufferings produce perseverance, character, and hope.

Romans CHAPTER 5

We glory in tribulations also-Which we are so far from esteeming a mark of God’s displeasure, that we receive them as tokens of his fatherly love, whereby we are prepared for a more exalted happiness.

Our Justification assures us of the transforming work God is at work in their lives, regardless of current struggles. How is God transforming our lives? Through the Holy Spirit.

Titus 3:5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,

Romans CHAPTER 5

By the Holy Ghost-The efficient cause of all these present blessings, and the earnest of those to come.

2. Powerful Love of Christ

Romans 5:6 For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.

Romans 5:7 For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die.

Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him.

Romans 5:10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.

Romans 5:11 And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.

contrast between our past and present due to Christ's sacrifice.

While we were once powerless and enemies of God, Christ's death reconciled us.

This should reinforce the assurance believers can have in their justification, fostering a sense of gratitude and deeper reliance on Christ's finished work.

3. Promise of Abounding Grace

Romans 5:15 But the free gift is not like the transgression. For if by the transgression of the one the many died, much more did the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abound to the many.

Romans 5:16 The gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned; for on the one hand the judgment arose from one transgression resulting in condemnation, but on the other hand the free gift arose from many transgressions resulting in justification.

Romans 5:17 For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.

Contrast the gift of grace with the result of Adam's trespass. This part underscores the abounding grace and free gift of righteousness through Jesus Christ. Highlight the superabundance of grace over judgment—a key element of the good news. It can assure believers that God’s grace is more than capable of overcoming their failures and empowering righteous living.

4. Proclamation of Grace's Reign

Romans 5:18 So then as through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men, even so through one act of righteousness there resulted justification of life to all men.

Romans 5:19 For as through the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous.

Romans 5:20 The Law came in so that the transgression would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more,

Romans 5:21 so that, as sin reigned in death, even so grace would reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

You might finish with the triumphant culmination of Christ’s act of obedience leading to life for all who receive this gift. Illustrate the reign of grace resulting in eternal life and how justification leads to victory over sin and death. Encourage your listeners to live as recipients of this gift, confident in the eternal hope they possess, inspiring a life of worship and gratitude.