Romans 5:1

Romans 5:1

Text:
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

1. Context and Structure

Romans 5[i] marks a turning point in Paul’s letter. After laying out humanity’s universal guilt (Romans 1–3) and the doctrine of justification by faith (Romans 4), Paul now unfolds the benefits of justification. Verse 1 begins with “Therefore,” linking the preceding argument to the practical outcomes of being declared righteous before God.

2. Key Terms and Theological Insights

• “Justified by faith”
  This phrase refers to a legal declaration by God that the sinner is righteous, not by works, but by trusting in Christ alone. It is not a process but a completed act. Paul uses the perfect tense (“having been justified”) to emphasise that this is a settled reality for the believer.
• “Peace with God”
  This is not merely a subjective feeling of calm. It is objective reconciliation. The hostility between God and the sinner has been removed. The war is over. This peace is not earned; it is granted through Christ’s atoning work. It is distinct from the “peace of God” (Philippians 4:7), which refers to inner tranquillity. Here, Paul speaks of a restored relationship.
• “Through our Lord Jesus Christ”
  Jesus is the sole mediator. Peace with God is not achieved through religious rituals or moral effort. It is through the person and work of Jesus—His death and resurrection (Romans 4:25).

3. Broader Chapter Themes

Romans 5 continues to describe the fruits of justification:

• Access to grace (verse 2)
• Hope in suffering (verses 3–5)
• Assurance of God’s love (verse 5)
• Reconciliation through Christ’s death (verses 6–11)
• Contrast between Adam and Christ (verses 12–21)

These themes reinforce that justification is not only a legal standing but also the gateway to a transformed life.

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4. Application to Modern Christian Living

• Rest for the anxious soul
  Many Christians wrestle with guilt and fear. Romans 5:1 assures us that peace with God is not fragile. It is grounded in Christ’s finished work. This truth liberates us from performance-based spirituality.
• Confidence in suffering
  Because we are reconciled, suffering is not punishment but part of God’s refining process (verses 3–4). We can face trials with hope, knowing we are secure in God’s love.
• Unity in the church
  Peace with God should lead to peace with others. Justified believers are called to extend grace and forgiveness, modelling the reconciliation they have received.

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[i] Romans 5

New King James Version

Faith Triumphs in Trouble

5 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Christ in Our Place

6 For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. 10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. 11 And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.

Death in Adam, Life in Christ

12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned— 13 (For until the law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law. 14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned according to the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come. 15 But the free gift is not like the offense. For if by the one man’s offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many. 16 And the gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned. For the judgment which came from one offense resulted in condemnation, but the free gift which came from many offenses resulted in justification. 17 For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.)

18 Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. 19 For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.

20 Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, 21 so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.