Romans 4:23-5:11

What are the benefits of Justification

Vs 23-24 was a statement not only for Abraham but also for us who would believe.

Thus the necessary prerequisite for our justification is that we believe in Christ.

Vs 25 is in two parts.

The cross was for our sins.

The resurrection was for our justification.

Notice that God delivered him to the cross and He also raised him from the grave.

Why is the resurrection necessary?

It validates the sacrifice of Jesus.

It proves the life of Jesus.

It satisfies the judgement of Jesus.

If the resurrection is necessary, than the justification must be necessary. Why?

The primary result of justification is peace with God. (Ch 5:1)

We are fallen. And our very nature is hostile towards God.

How far does the peace go?

After peace Paul mentions our access to grace in which we now stand. (vs 2)

This is meant to point back to the garden.

Before Christ, we could draw near but had no direct access.

So we have peace and grace, then Paul mentions the next results as to be our access to joy and hope.

What does the phrase “glory of God” mean?

The Greek word for glory is doxe.

The Hebrew word is kabod.

They both mean weightiness or heaviness.

We hope in his glory that will one day complete our justification and move us to glorification.

We also glory in our tribulations. (vs 3)

Why?

Because suffering produces perseverance.

God can and will redeem every pain.

Then from perseverance comes character and then character produces hope. (vs 4)

Hope does not disappoint. (vs 5)

This is not an earthly hope.

But one founded in the promise of total victory.

We know this because God’s love has been poured out.

3 types of love

Eros - erotic love

philao - brotherly love

agape - God love

How is the love poured out or implanted in us?

The Holy Spirit

Christ died for the ungodly. (vs 6)

Paul says we were without strength.

Who did He die for?

When did He die for them?

What does Paul mean here in due time or at just the right time?

Two possibilities: When man was at his worst. The midnight hour. Or as soon as God ordained it.

According to scripture time has a beginning and an end.

Two Greek words for time chronos and cheiros.

Chronos means historical.

Cheiros means historic.

Who might someone die for? (vs 7)

A righteous man or a good man. What’s the difference?

Paul removes all doubt by saying Christ died for us while we were still sinners.

Is a sinner righteous or good?

Salvation is a three pronged process. (vs 9)

We are saved: Justification

Being saved: Sanctification

Shall be saved: Glorification

Notice how we were saved. (vs 10)

Reconciliation happens now. (vs 11)