Study Guide on Romans Chapter Five, we will explore one of the great benefits of salvation. This benefit is that those who are justified glory or rejoice in tribulation.
Paul begins the chapter with the words, “Just as through one man (Adam) sin entered into the world and death by sin.” This sets up the comparison between Adam and Christ.
I. THE BLESSINGS OF JUSTIFICATION
Paul uses a number of phrases to describe the accompanying blessings of justification. He contrasts this with the curse of sin and death, and he draws an analogy between the first Adam and the second, and their opposite tendencies and influences. The first brought in sin, condemnation, and death; the second brings righteousness, justification, and life.
One of the most significant blessings is that of peace (shalom) with God. This is a direct result of justification. We are no longer at war with God; we have peace with Him because of Christ’s atonement.
Another blessing of justification is freedom from wrath. This is the blessing of the future, and is a direct result of Christ’s atonement for our sins. This is the only way that we can be saved from wrath.
A third blessing of justification is glory, and this is the ultimate result of our being justified. This is a far greater benefit than mere exemption from misery, and is a result of Christ’s death for our sins and resurrection.
The fourth blessing of justification is the knowledge that this is by grace, and not by works; that it is a gift of God’s free grace, and not a reward for our efforts. The final blessing of justification is the joy that results from it, and this joy is an unspeakable delight, because it comes as a result of our being united with Christ in the salvation He has purchased for us.
These four blessings are all related to the central theme of Romans Chapter Five: justification by faith alone through Jesus Christ. The book of Romans is the New Testament’s longest and most structured presentation of Christian theology. It is the core of the gospel message, and it lays out the doctrine of salvation by grace alone through faith alone.
II. COMPARING CHRIST WITH ADAM
Paul continues his exposition of the gospel in Romans Chapter Five. He begins by presenting the need for a Saviour to those who have yet to trust in Jesus Christ. He then illustrates the benefits of salvation which flow through Christ and to all who are united with him.
In this passage, Paul introduces his climactic contrast between Adam and Christ. He shows how one man’s sin resulted in the death of all his offspring, while another man’s obedience results in justification and life for all those who will believe in him.
This section of scripture speaks to what is often referred to as “total depravity.” In essence, it means that fallen man is totally polluted by sin in every area of his being, including his body, soul, emotions, mind and spirit. It is only when he comes to God in faith and trusts Jesus Christ that he receives the gift of salvation which was purchased by his Saviour’s death and resurrection.
It is interesting to note that in the KJV at the end of Romans 5:12 there is a parenthesis. This is to help the reader discern that this verse is parenthetical and should be read with Romans 4:25 in view, as it provides a necessary foundation for understanding this whole chapter. Paul has demonstrated how the wrath of God against believers was appeased on the cross through the propitiatory sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This inaugurated an era of peace which was proclaimed by the OT prophets and brought to inaugural realization by Christ’s redemptive work (see notes on Rom. 3:24-28).
III. HOPE IN THE GLORY OF GOD
Paul has a strong “working knowledge” of the Scriptures (Rom. 5:2). He understands what he’s talking about when he says, “but we have the hope of glory.” We can rejoice in God’s glory because of what He has done for us. He can take the worst that life throws at us and make something beautiful out of it. In fact, when you go to heaven, you will see how all of your trials and hardships were used for your good.
The first step in God’s master plan for salvation took place when He gave the Law to Moses on Mt. Sinai. The law makes sin accountable and makes it possible to be redeemed from the penalty of sin. The second step in God’s master plan for salvation was the death of Jesus Christ on the cross. When He died, it made it possible for all mankind to be redeemed from the penalty of their sin.
When you trust in the Lord, he will give you a new body that is like His resurrection body. This will allow you to be with Him forever in glory. This is why you should never lose heart!
Another thing that Paul teaches in this chapter is that God’s salvation is a “chain of events.” He starts with justification and ends with glorification. He will also elaborate on this theme in Romans eight.
One of the false doctrines that some people believe is that of universalism–that all men eventually will be saved. This view is contrary to the entire message of the Bible. What Adam did for mankind could be inherited by birth, but what Christ did must be received by faith.
IV. SAVED FROM WRATH
The Bible tells us that sin has separated mankind from God and that there is a penalty of eternal punishment in hell for all of humanity (Romans 1:18). The Gospel, recorded in the Bible, declares that Jesus Christ came into the world to save (rescue or deliver) sinners from this wrath. It is important that we understand this truth and that we share it with others.
Paul begins the discussion of salvation in Romans chapter five by explaining that justification is not a work of law but of faith. This is important because many people mistakenly believe that a person must do good works to be saved. This is not true. The Bible says that only faith in Jesus Christ saves a person from God’s wrath.
It is also important to note that, unlike the Bible’s teaching on salvation in the New Testament, in chapter five Paul discusses the fact that all of mankind has sinned against God. This is an important point because it means that all of the unsaved must be convinced of their need to trust in a Saviour and they must understand the benefits of salvation before they will come to Christ in faith.
Once they understand the fact that sinners must be saved from wrath, they must then realize that only Jesus can save them. They must realize that they need to flee from the wrath of God and that they must make haste to find refuge in Christ. Only then will they know that Jesus died, not to make good folks better, but to save sinners from God’s wrath. He loved them so much that He gave His life for them. This is a truly amazing love that surpasses anything we can think of.
V. JOY IN GOD
Often when life’s challenges come along it can be hard to find joy. That’s why it’s important to read Bible verses about joy regularly. Joy is more than just happiness, it’s an encompassing feeling of well-being. It’s a state of being that comes from our relationship with God and others. Joy allows us to see the beauty of life and spread that love to those around us.
In the beginning of Romans Chapter Five Paul gives insight into God’s master plan for salvation. This plan was in motion as soon as sin entered the world. Adam’s offense brought destruction and death to mankind, but the free gift that Christ offered cured all who would receive it. The great chasm that separated mankind and God was bridged by the cross of Jesus Christ.
When we focus on the fact that our Savior laid down his life for sinners we can’t help but be filled with joy! This is why the early church praised and worshipped the Lord so much in times of trial. Paul teaches that “the joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones” (Proverbs 17:22). The rejoicing and praise of the believer helps keep the faith strong during tough times.
This joy in God is the fruit of the Holy Spirit and it is the evidence that we are saved! (Galatians 5:22) The word that describes this joy is prosagoge (). Prosagoge refers to an introduction into a relationship or ongoing access into an existing one. It fits well with the aorist tense of “declared righteous” in Romans 5:2. It also fits well with the future tense of “will continue to make intercession for” in Romans 8:32.
