A Study of Romans (15)

Intent of chapter 5

Paul is now beginning to share the what we possess because of justification;

So through this chapter we will learn about what justification brings to a believer;

While moving through this chapter there will be a focus on these possessions - peace, joy and hope;

These can be considered as the benefits of justification.

Peace with God

Meaning

“Therefore” meaning that reason or consequently, so Paul is referring back to to the previous conversations about what justification is and is not;

Isn’t it interesting that the argument of “how does someone get to God” has been going on almost from the beginning;

Once again let’s look at the definition of justify it means to (Theology) declare or make righteous in the sight of God.

Soanes, C., & Stevenson, A. (Eds.). (2004). Concise Oxford English dictionary (11th ed.). Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Now because of justification there is a “peace with God” (v. 1) - now in order to have peace there had to have been the opposite of that which is fear or doubt;

Let’s look at one meaning of fear - an unpleasant emotion caused by the threat of danger, pain, or harm.

Soanes, C., & Stevenson, A. (Eds.). (2004). Concise Oxford English dictionary (11th ed.). Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Now let’s look at one meaning of peace - freedom from disturbance; tranquillity.

Soanes, C., & Stevenson, A. (Eds.). (2004). Concise Oxford English dictionary (11th ed.). Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Before justification man was at odds with God, His enemy, but after justification man is at peace with God;

Let’s look at v. 10 - 10 For if when 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.

The New King James Version. (1982). (Ro 5:10). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

The Book of Romans The Meaning (Verse 1a)

Man, beginning with Adam, had planted his feet in a path of deliberate self-will and rebellion; and God’s wrath was upon man for his sins. But the death of God’s Son accomplished “reconciliation,” a word that refers to the settlement of differences.

Here is an uncomfortable fact God and man were enemies and some remain in that status;

However because of the death of Jesus Christ a peace treaty was signed giving man an avenue to peace;

Let’s look at Ephesians 2:14-17 to allow the Bible to us get the picture.

The Book of Romans The Meaning (Verse 1a)

But now having been declared guiltless and standing right with God (justification), we accept our innocence before Him, and our hearts are at last at peace.

Method

How are people able to find “peace with God” here is how “through our Lord Jesus Christ”;

Because of Jesus’ atoning death there is a reconciliation between man and God which gives man a righteousness he could not earn;

Let’s look at Philippians 3:9 to see how He is righteousness is imputed to those who believe.

Jesus took our place, He was found guilty of our sins and took our punishment of death - separation from God;

Let’s look at 2 Corinthians 5:21 to let the Bible reveal itself.

Because of His death man has “peace with God”.

Access

Now the statement in v. 1 “we have peace” and the statement in v. 2 “we have access” both reveal justification through faith;

Now to have access to something you must first have been given access by someone greater;

Our access was given through Jesus Christ in order to have “peace with God”.

So to fully grasp this we need to look at a definition to access which means “being brought into or introduced to something”

Picirilli, R. E. (1975). The Book of Romans (p. 92). Nashville, TN: Randall House Publications.

Every true believer has two things in common they were introduced to Jesus Christ and through faith were justified;

Faith in Jesus Christ is what granted you access to “peace with God”;

Let’s look at some word structure in Greek;

The Book of Romans The Method (Verses 1b, 2a)

In Greek, the verb “have” is perfect tense, not present: “we have come to possess.” What is it we have been brought into? The answer is “this grace wherein we stand.” By “this grace” Paul means the state of justification-innocence which is ours by God’s grace. “We stand” means literally “we have come to stand.” Note how we have come to this: “by faith.”

What Paul is pointing to is the grace of justification by God is what brings about our “peace with God”;

The Book of Romans The Method (Verses 1b, 2a)

because through Him we obtained access into this justified state in which we came to stand by God’s grace and by our faith. By this we came to experience peace with God.