Sermon 101297

Rom. 5:1-10                         Having Been Justified By Faith                                        10/12/97

                                                                                                                             ABCC

I.    Introduction                                                                                                                      593

·        Justification is a gracious act of God in which He pardons a sinner, declares him righteous and reconciles the sinner to Himself on the basis of faith in Christ as redeemer

(chapters 3-4; Rom. 4:23-25; 5:17-19; Is. 53:4-5)

·        Only God can justify a sinner – no one else can rightly address the issue of SIN!

II.  Man and Sin (v. 12)

A.      Sin entered the world through Adam, the father of all humanity (Gen. 3:1-6)

B.      Death entered the world through sin

C.     All people born after Adam are sinners, therefore they sin & die = INSEPARABLE

q      Everyone who belongs to Adam is GUILTY!

q      Everyone who belongs to Christ is JUSTIFIED! (Rom. 5:18-19)

Every individual here today is Adam’s descendent which makes you GUILTY; but only those of you that belong to Christ are JUSTIFIED or FORGIVEN.  Have you been justified?  If you have, listen very carefully.  If you have not, listen carefully.  If you’re not sure, listen carefully.

III. The Amazing & Wonderful Results of Justification

A.      Peace with God (v. 1)

- This peace is a gracious gift to those who have been justified, but it was a costly sacrifice for our God & Christ (4:25).  But now we are no longer God’s enemy (v. 10); in love with sin & justifying it; helpless (v. 6) & the object of God’s wrath   (v. 9); scheming, restless, fearful of death, attempting to sooth our guilty conscience – Do you remember those days?  Are you thankful that they’re over?  Are you still there right now?  Well, keep listening!

Having Been Justified by Faith, pg. 2

B.      Established in the state of grace (v. 2a) = God’s favor & blessings; access to God.

- Are you thankful for being the object of God’s blessing & having access to Him who has all power?  Are you thankful that you can enjoy the presence of God?  Well, keep on listening!

C.     Greatly rejoicing about your glorious future with Christ (v. 2b)

- How often do you think about heaven; no worrying, crime, injustice, nothing that either dishonors Christ or causes harm to the redeemed.  We shall see Christ as He really is & we shall be like Him.  We’re going home soon to be with our Lord; to our Father’s House!  Are you thinking about heaven now?  Do you want to go to heaven?  Have you made plans for your future?  Well, keep on listening!

D.     Greatly rejoicing in our present circumstances (v. 3-5)

- Isn’t it wonderful to know that God has a beneficial purpose for any & every trial and situation that you face in life.  Isn’t it amazing to consider that through these trials God is revealing who I am & what is really in my heart.  Are you able to face the unique trials in your life with great joy?  Are you able to look back & see how the Lord has matured you through your tribulations (situations that brought pressure & affliction), how He has proven that you are a Christian & given you hope as your love has increased for God – because He DID NOT FAIL YOU!!!!!  Can you look back & see the truth of Rom. 8:28, 37-39!  Can you see how our God is giving you reason to REJOICE?

Are you still listening to me?  These are all the result of having been justified!  So then you know my next question:  Have you been justified?  If your answer is YES – then you ought to be greatly rejoicing in your soul my brother/sister when you consider that Christ has secured these great & wonderful gospel blessings for you – they are yours!  If your answer is NO – then listen again to the truth about you & Christ (Rom. 5:6-10).  PREACH THE GOSPEL!!!!!!