Romans Chapter 5

BIBLE PASSAGE

ROMANS CHAPTER 5

Peace with God Through Faith

1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— 8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. 11 More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

Death in Adam, Life in Christ

12 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned— 13 for sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law. 14 Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sinning was not like the transgression of Adam, who was a type of the one who was to come.

15 But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man's trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many. 16 And the free gift is not like the result of that one man's sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification. 17 For if, because of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.

18 Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. 19 For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous. 20 Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, 21 so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

SYNOPSIS

Romans 5 presents a profound exploration of the consequences of justification by faith. The chapter begins by emphasizing that those justified through faith in Jesus Christ now have peace with God. This peace represents a significant shift from the previous state of sin and separation from God's glory. Paul highlights that believers can now rejoice in the hope of sharing God's glory and even find meaning in their sufferings. He explains how these sufferings, through God's love and the Holy Spirit, can lead to perseverance, character, and ultimately, hope. The chapter then focuses on God's love demonstrated through Christ's sacrificial death, which occurred while humanity was still weak, sinful, and enemies of God. Paul concludes by reiterating the benefits of justification, including reconciliation with God through Jesus Christ. The latter part of the chapter contrasts Adam's act of disobedience, which brought sin and death to all, with Christ's act of obedience, which offers grace and eternal life. This chapter serves as a bridge to the subsequent chapters, which further explore the implications of justification by faith.

APPLICATION QUESTIONS

1. Paul says that being justified by faith gives us peace with God (v. 1). How does this truth change the way you approach God in your daily life?

2. Romans 5:3-5 teaches that suffering produces endurance, character, and hope. How can you view your current struggles as opportunities for growth in your faith?

3. Just as Adam’s disobedience led to sin and death, Jesus’ obedience brings grace and life (vv. 18-19). How does this contrast help you appreciate the depth of God’s grace?

4. In what ways can you demonstrate the love of Christ in your relationships at school, work, with your friends, or at home?

PRAYER SUGGESTION

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for justifying me through faith in Jesus Christ. Because of Him, I now have peace with You, and I am no longer separated by sin. Help me to rest in this peace and to live with confidence in Your grace.

Lord, when I face trials, remind me that You are using them to build my character and deepen my hope. Give me the strength to persevere and to trust in Your perfect plan, knowing that Your love has already been poured into my heart through the Holy Spirit.

Thank You for the gift of Jesus, whose obedience has brought life and grace to all who believe. May I live in gratitude, walking in the new life You have given me.

In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.