Romans 5:1-5
1Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
We have been justified. Justification: the act of God whereby humankind is made or accounted just, or free from guilt or penalty of sin. But get this. We're only justified through faith. But, when we are justified we can have peace with God through Jesus because he died for us. Pretty sweet, huh?
2through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.
I like how the NASB puts this: 2Through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand ; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. So because of Jesus dying on the cross for us, we have this "introduction" by faith into grace. We're able to access grace. No matter how badly we screw up, God's always going to forgive us. Ah-mazing.
3Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope.
Oh. Goody. Suffering. Actually, suffering should be a Christian's favorite word. Yesterday in Pastor Mike's sermon, he was talking about suffering and grief and how those things can really help us grow closer to God. I have a quote... paraphrased by moi: "Suffering and sorrow give us a chance to connect with God because he can relate to us." You know how when you're going through something tough, you find someone who has been through that before? Jesus has been through the suffering. He can relate to you. No matter what it is, he can relate.
I like the word 3 words before suffering: rejoice. We should rejoice in our suffering? That makes no sense! But it does if you think about it long enough in this context: When we suffer we grow closer to God. When we grow closer to God, we rejoice! So it's got a little step in the middle that leads to the rejoicing, but it's good nonetheless.
The end of verse three and verse four make me think of James 1:2-4: 2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
This goes along the same lines. Suffering produces perseverance, perseverance: character, character: hope. Isn't hope something we all want? (I would say Yes. I mean, Barrack Obama had "hope" as one of his key words in his campaign, and lookie here who's president.)
5And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
Here's something sweet: Hope won't disappoint us. Real hope won't. If we have hope but we get our expectations too high, we'll be disappointed. Hope in God will never disappoint though! But God used the Holy Spirit to pour his love into our hearts. Because of that, God will never disappoint if we really truly go with the Holy Spirit's hope.
I hope that made sense. (Pun intended).
Well. I should really get going. I have a busy day and I would really like to get a lot of stuff done before I have to leave for my busy day! So adios my blog readers.
Hope you have a fantastic day!
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