| The first half of Romans 5 tells us of the blessings we have because we have been “justified by faith.” Because we have trusted Christ as Savior, we have been “justified,” pronounced righteous by God. More than that, by Him “we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand” and may now “come boldly unto the throne of grace.” We also “rejoice in hope of the glory of God,” as we anticipate our Lord’s coming for us and our entrance into His glory. Further, we can “glory in tribulations also,” knowing that God permits them to come for His glory and our blessing. Then “the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us,” and “we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son.” Furthermore, we are daily “saved by His life” of intercession, from the snares of Satan, the lusts of the flesh, and the allurements of the world. But all these things, as wonderful as they are, are not an end in themselves. They lead us to Him whose grace has provided all this, and “we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” We joy in Him, not just what He has done for us. “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain”! |
