Scripture
By Prophetess Lecha Price
Lesson Text: Romans 5:1-11
Related Scriptures: I John 4:7-21; Ephesians 2:13-18; Romans 8:32-39; Titus 3:3-7
In Romans 5:1-1, our scripture lesson text reminds us today through the death of Christ Jesus, by faith we have been made right with God (justified by faith) therefore, we have access to His grace to experience His joy. In I John 4:7-21 tells us, “In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him, not that we loved God but he first loved us and sent His Son to be propitiation for our sins.” As God’s love grows and is made perfect within us, we no longer have fear but perfect love casts out all fear.
Ephesians 2:13-18 says where we were once separated because of sin the blood of Christ has brought us near unto God and we have peace with Him. Romans 8:32-39 encourages us that God did not spare His own Son but delivered him up for us all and with him freely given us all things. Therefore, nothing can separate us from His love, not tribulations, famine or nakedness. Though we may face these things in life we are yet more than conquerors in Christ Jesus who loves us and gave His life for us.
In Titus 3:3-7 reminds us, we ourselves were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and living in malice, envy, hating one another. But after the kindness of God’s love, our Savior toward man appeared. His mercy saved and washed us by the regeneration of the Holy Ghost which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ. We are justified by His grace that we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Synopsis
By Brother Marshal Arnwine
Romans 5:1-5 illustrates that we have peace with God through justification by faith in Christ. As believers, we are privileged to have access to the grace of God. However, our justification and grace we receive does not remove all troubles and sufferings from a believers life. Nevertheless, believers can rejoice knowing that there is purpose in Christian suffering. Paul mentions that Christian suffering produces the traits of patience, character, and hope!
Romans 5:6-9 discusses that we are justified by the blood of Christ. When we had no strength or ability to help ourselves because we were sinners, “Christ died for the ungodly.” Verse 6 mentioned that we were the “ungodly” and verse 8 describes us as “sinners.” Even as ungodly sinners, Jesus gave His life in order to give us life. There had to be a payment for our sins and it was a blood payment that only Christ could pay.
Romans 5:10-11 describes that we are justified by the life of Christ. Verse 10 reminds us that we were enemies of God, but through the death of his Son Jesus, we were reconciled with God. Verse 11 ends highlighting the joy we should possess because God has provided a way for humankind to come back into harmonious relationship with Him. It is solely because of His work on our behalf, received by faith, that we can rejoice, knowing we have received atonement.
Practical Application
By Sister Tarae King
In Romans 5, Paul begins by mentioning two benefits to being a believer, peace with God and faith. The access door to God is now permanently open and we have peace, not with the world but with God. We are no longer at odds with God because of sin but on the same side. As we know, the Christian life comes with real hardships. Hardships develops our patience or endurance which gives us experience and character that gives us hope.
Next Paul says we are justified by the blood of Christ because he died for us. That means God loved us when we were enemies and continues to love us now. Jesus died for not just the righteous but for all of mankind including sinners. The blood of Jesus Christ saved us from the wrath of God.
Lastly, Paul then says we are justified by the life of Christ because he is the living risen Lord. We are not saved only by His death but His life also. As we aspire to be more like Christ, we can look to his life to guide and encourage us.
