Romans 5:1-2

Chapter 5 begins with some benefits of salvation, beginning with the greatest of them all: peace with God!

Peace with God is the benefit from which all other benefits of salvation flow

Peace with God

Being justified by faith -> we are only at peace with God once we have been justified by faith

The lost need never to think themselves at ease, as the wrath of God could be unleashed at any moment

Consequently, the saved need reminding that the justification they’ve trusted God for makes them at peace with God

Those who trust in Christ are truly justified (they are made right in the eyes of the purest judge)

We have peace with God -> the most valuable treasure on the earth (Ps. 73:17-20; Rev. 6:16)

Peace with God is the one thing that is most wanted and needed, but it is often not realized until it is too late (rich man and Lazarus)

God is truly on your side, and works what is best for you in the present as well (even when it hurts)!

To be at peace with God is wonderful beyond description!

Through our Lord Jesus Christ -> it is only through Jesus Christ that we are at peace with God

Note that He is referred to as Lord -> it is only when we submit to the Lordship of Christ that we are at peace with God

Our Lord has done the work to make us at peace with Him, and it is by His work alone!

Standing in Grace

We have access to the grace of God -> it is wonderful, powerful grace (1 Pet. 5:6-11)

It is a grace that we can always know to be sufficient, regardless of how much is needed!

By Christ -> it is by Christ that we have access to this grace -> it is because of the goodness of God, not the merit of man

When you feel you deserve it, you don’t -> when you feel you don’t deserve it, be encouraged that God doesn’t require you to!

Through faith -> time and time again this is stressed -> the grace of God is given when we trust Him to give it

It is in that grace that we stand -> the posture of the believer is one that is victorious and confident, not downtrodden and overwhelmed (Ps. 3)!

The believer can lift their head triumphantly knowing they are at peace with God by grace through faith!

Rejoicing in the Glory of God

The glory of God -> God will be glorified in the eradication of sin and purification of the saints (both parts of judgement)

God’s wrath is not wicked, but it is brutal, bloody, and terrible (Ezek. 38:17-23)!

This is a wrath He will be glorified for!

Furthermore, God will be glorified for what He does to the saints -> perfect purity (Phil. 3:20-21)

Rejoicing in hope of that glory -> that we could rejoice in God glorifying Himself when the rest of creation trembles is a testament to the power of God’s grace!

Furthermore, it tells us just how wonderful it is to be at peace with God!