Read Romans 5:1-11

 

   We now have peace with God, which may differ from peaceful feelings such as calmness and tranquility. Peace with God means that we have been reconciled with Him. There is no more hostility between us, no sin blocking our relationship with Him. Peace with God is possible only because Jesus paid the price for our sins through His death on the cross. 
Paul states that, as believers, we now stand in a place of highest privilege. Not only has God declared us not guilty; He has drawn us close to Himself. Instead of being enemies, we have become His friends: in fact, His own children (John 15; Galatians 4). 

   For first-century Christians, suffering was the rule rather than the exception. Paul tells us that in the future what we will become, but until then we must overcome. This means we will experience difficulties that help us grow. We rejoice in suffering, not because we like pain or deny its tragedy, but because we know God is using life’s difficulties and Satan’s attacks to build our character. The problems that we run into will develop our perseverance: which in turn will strengthen our character, deepen our trust in God, and give us greater confidence about our future. You probably find your patience tested in some way every day. Thank God for those opportunities to grow, and deal with them in His strength (James 1; 1 Peter 1). 

 

   These verses introduce a section that contains some difficult concepts. It helps to keep in mind the two-sided reality of the Christian life. On the one hand, we are complete in Christ. On the other hand, we are growing in Christ. At one in the same time we have the status as kings and the duties of slaves. We feel both the presence of Christ and the pressure of sin. We enjoy the peace that comes from being made right with God, but we still face daily problems that often help us grow. If we remember these two sides of the Christian life, we will not grow discouraged as we face temptations and problems. Instead, we will learn to depend on the power available to us from Christ, who lives in us by the Holy Spirit. 
We were weak and helpless because we could do nothing on our own to save ourselves. Someone had to come and rescue us. Christ came at exactly the right time in history: according to God’s schedule. God controls all history, and He controlled the timing, method, and events surrounding Jesus’ death. 

 

   All three members of the Trinity are involved in salvation. The Father loved us so much that He sent His Son to bridge the gap between us (John 3). The Father and Son send the Holy Spirit to fill our life with love and to enable us to live by His power (Acts 1). With all this loving care, how can we do less than serve Him completely. 

 

   “WHILE WE WERE STILL SINNERS:” these are amazing words. God sent Jesus to die for us, not because we were good enough, but just because He loved us. Whenever you feel uncertain about God’s love for you, remember that He loved you even before you turned to Him. 

 

   The love that caused Christ to die is the same love that sends the Holy Spirit to live in us and guide us every day. The power that raised Christ from the dead is the same power that saved you and is available to you in your daily life. Be assured that, having begun a life with Christ, you have a reserve of power and love to call on each day for help to meet every challenge or trial. You can pray for God’s power and love as you need it. 

 

   God is holy, and He will not be associated with sin. All people are sinful and so they are separated from God. In addition, all sin deserves punishment. Instead of punishing us with the death we deserve, however, Christ took our sins upon himself and took our punishment by dying on the cross. Now we can rejoice in God. Through faith in Christ’s work, we become close to God rather than being enemies and outcasts.