Look at What We Have!

Text: Romans 5:1-5

Therefore… we are about to encounter some divine information concerning the results of what God has previously revealed to us regarding justification by faith (See Romans 3:21-26).

Having established that justification cannot be obtained by one’s character, lineage, by the Law, ordinances, or religious ritual, but only by placing our faith in the faith(fulness) of Christ (Ref Galatians 2:16… “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.”) we will now be introduced to the results of that justified standing with God.

Here, are some of the wonderful blessings, or benefits, that come to the believer due to the righteousness of Christ having been imputed to him or her (Ref 2 Corinthians 5:21).

We have Peace with God! (Verse 1)

God has declared peace, and you have agreed with Him. The barrier of sin has been removed by the reconciliatory work of Christ Jesus (2Corinthians 5:18-19) and the believer has now gained a righteous standing IN Christ!

We don’t need to “make our peace” with God, for God has already accomplished that for us through the cross work of the Lord Jesus Christ. Before our justification, by faith in the finished work of Christ, we could only look forward to the judgment and wrath of God on account of our sins. But now, that fearful looking for judgment has been replaced by Peace with God!

Because of His Grace…

– God has fully judged sin upon our substitute, the Lord Jesus.

– A Just God is wholly satisfied with Christ’s sacrifice, so much so, that He will never take up the issue of judgment for our sins, again.

– God is therefore at rest concerning the believer, forever. All claims against us were met when Christ Jesus made Peace by the blood of His cross!

“I hear the words of Love

I gaze upon the blood

I see the mighty sacrifice

And I have Peace with God!

“Tis everlasting peace

Sure as His holy name

“Tis stable as His steadfast throne

Forevermore the same!

We have Access (Verse 2)

Through Christ, in whom we have believed, we the justified have been given a wonderful Standing in divine favor… the very favor in which Christ Himself stands!

Think of it! Access to the God of all Grace!

In contrast, under the dispensation of the Law, the people were cautioned to “stand afar off” from Mt. Sinai. In the tabernacle, a thick veil separated the people from God’s presence in the Holy of Holies.

But now, under Grace, the believer has free access into God’s presence.

Although we sometimes fall short of occupying our position in the heavenlies, in Christ, and appropriating all or spiritual blessings there, nevertheless, we have open access to these blessings by faith, at any time.

The ability to Rejoice in Hope of the glory of God (Verse 2)

Here is the future outlook for the believer… not merely to behold Him, but to inhabit a glorified state, together with our Lord and Saviour. Our future estate is guaranteed by our faithful Redeemer!

“When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.” (Colossians 3:4)

“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” (Romans 8:18)

We may Glory in tribulations

The saint of God can comprehend that the tribulations and trials of this life are designed to bring us to an appreciation and understanding of a confident, unwavering hope. There is a sure, eager anticipation of better things to come!

Contrary to the health-wealth-and prosperity preachers of our day, who claim that a Christian is out of the will of God if he is sick, poor, or lacking in any material way, God’s word says that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God (Acts 14:22).

1 Thessalonians tells us that we are appointed to afflictions.

Philippians 1:29 says that it is given, in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but to suffer also, for His sake.

But, why may we glory in such tribulation?

Because tribulations works Patience

Learning to exercise patience, in the course of life, can be an exasperating thing. People and circumstances can fray your nerves and test your temper.

Here, we learn that Patience is developed through the purifying fires of tribulation. As believers, we learn to “wait patiently” through the difficult times of life, realizing that God does not desert those who place their trust in Him.

Because patience works Experience which validates our Hope

Through the forging process of the trials of life, while we gain patience by trusting the Lord, we build a body of experience. It is this experience, of learning to rest fully in the all sustaining Grace and Love of God that produces Hope. It is a sure hope, founded on the great faithfulness of the risen Lord Jesus Christ!

The Love of God

That precious hope, which looks to God in faith for all the glorious things to come, does not leave us ashamed, embarrassed, or frustrated. Why not?

Because there is supplied to the saint of God the inward and blessed miracle of the consciousness of God’s Love, that is shed abroad in our hearts (or inner man). The Holy Spirit is the one at work in each believer, manifesting the wonder of His great Love toward us. There is nothing to be ashamed of about that!

Loved with everlasting Love,

Led by Grace that Love to know

Spirit of my God above,

Thou hast taught me it is so

Oh, this full and perfect Peace,

Oh, this transport all divine

In a Love that cannot cease,

I am His, and He is mine!

How wonderful, how marvelous are the exceeding riches of God’s unbounded Love and unlimited Grace to them that believe! Look at what we have!

Grace to You and Peace!

Larry Gabbard