Romans 5:1-2 Therefore, since we are justified (acquitted, declared righteous, and given a right standing with God) through faith, let us [grasp the fact that we] have [the peace of reconciliation to hold and to enjoy] peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).2 Through Him also we have [our] access (entrance, introduction) by faith into this grace (state of God's favor) in which we [firmly and safely] stand. And let us rejoice and exult in our hope of experiencing and enjoying the glory of God. Amplified Bible (AMP)
John MacArthur notes that this justification spoken of in verse 1 above "is a one time legal declaration with continuing results, not an ongoing process". Paul goes back to this topic again and again. Going back to Romans 1, the "just shall live by faith". It is not by our works but by faith that we are saved but it is a faith that will be shown through how it is lived out by God's grace and power in our lives.
Take a few minutes to read the Amplified Bibles translation again, then again. Let it soak in. Think of these things let us grasp what it means to hold and to enjoy the peace of reconciliation . Let us be thankful for the access that we have into His grace, His favor that enables us to stand. Let us rejoice and celebrate the hope that we have and experience His glory in our lives, looking for that "blessed hope and His glorious appearing" (Titus 2:13) when He returns.
If you have time, read the passage through verse 11, see the evidences of the power, the benefits of faith - peace with God, standing in His grace, hope, receiving His love, escaping the punishment that we deserve, while experiencing joy in the Lord.
Read these words from the Steve Camp song "We Stand in Grace"
We have peace with God through the spotless Lamb
Whose blood was shed so we may be born again
Let us drink our fill from this fount of grace
And be faithful to Him 'til we behold His face
Whose blood was shed so we may be born again
Let us drink our fill from this fount of grace
And be faithful to Him 'til we behold His face
Romans 5:1-5
New International Version (NIV)
Peace and Hope
5 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
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