Faith is How We Receive God's Blessings (Rom 5:1-11)

 

 

“Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ… And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the reconciliation” (vs1, 11).

Justification and every spiritual blessing is obtained by believing God. He makes promises to us in Christ, promises for all to acknowledge and believe - “And when God counted him as righteous, it wasn’t just for Abraham’s benefit. It was recorded for our benefit, too, assuring us that God will also count us as righteous if we believe in him, the one who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead“ (Rom 4:23-24). Those who believe are RIGHTEOUS, forgiven, at peace with God, reconciled, and we have the Spirit empowering us to rejoice in storms. The God of glory gives all freely through the means of faith, and if I believe, I have riches evermore.

Here, in Romans 5:1-11, we see eleven benefits of grace, things received by faith alone.
1. Righteousness and justification (vs1)
2. Peace with God through Jesus Christ and by faith in Him (vs1)
3. Access into grace, so that heaven’s door is open to us, and we may take what we need (vs2). The Lord said, “Hitherto have you asked nothing in my name: ask, and you shall receive, that your joy may be full” (John 16:24)
4. Boasting in God’s glorious grace, which is our hope of what good things He has for us (vs2)
5. Confidence in God that endures the storms and makes us rejoice in Him amidst hardships (vs3)
6. Patience to endure hardship because we know Who rules the pain and His goodness to us (vs3)
7. Proof of His goodness by the victory that He gives, so that He quiets the storm and proves Himself faithful to rule our sin (vs4)
8. The love of God is spread upon our heart, so that we FEEL the pleasure of knowing that we are loved, secure, blessed, and chosen. We know that God is for us, and it is the best feeling possible in this world. (vs5)
9. The Holy Spirit, whereby we experience even more of God by the hand of Him who reveals Christ to us (vs5). This love He reveals is not the merit of the creature or a love based on tenuous things that change, like our fighting sin, etc. It is love that while we were vile as possible, He loved us, gave Himself to die for our sins, and now shows His love by dying for the wicked (vs6-8).
10. The risen Christ rules the world to save us (vs9-10). He didn’t die for us to leave us in this world slaves of sin; He will assuredly keep us unto the end, saving all who trust His blood to justify God’s goodness.
11. The “reconciliation”, so that we are one with Him and no longer enemies (vs11). God and man are unified in purpose - the praise of the Son - and there is no anger from Him to us. He hears us, accepts us, and is for us fully.

These and many others benefits are ours freely. Only believe and they are yours (Luke 8:50). Don’t improve or look to your performance; believe Christ-crucified is why God is righteous to bless you. Believe God.