Romans Part 18

Romans 5 opens with an important transition from Paul's discussion of justification in chapter 4. Because Jesus Christ "was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification" (4:25), those who have been justified by faith now have peace with God through Him. Paul continues to emphasize that we are justified by faith not only by believing the truth of Christ's sacrifice, but by living faith that expresses itself through obedience to God's law. Faith is both belief and action. Isaiah had foretold this work of the Messiah, saying that He would bear our iniquities and justify many through His suffering (Isaiah 53:5, 11). Christ's death and resurrection made that justification possible.

Through Jesus Christ we have also been given access into God's grace, a privilege we could never earn or repay. Because of that, Paul says we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. This hope is far greater than the false desire of entering heaven; it is the hope of becoming like God. Just as humanity was created in God's physical image, God's purpose is to transform His people into His spiritual likeness through eternal life. Romans 8:16–17 explains that believers are children of God and joint heirs with Christ. God is not preparing His people to become angels, but His own children. Children ultimately grow to become like their Father, and that is the incredible future He has prepared for those who remain faithful.

Paul goes on to explain that Christians can even rejoice in tribulations because suffering serves a purpose. Like James 1:2–3, this passage teaches that trials develop perseverance, proven character and hope. Human life has been designed to help us develop righteous character as God shapes us into His likeness. He teaches us to align our will with His through the choices we make, so that obedience becomes part of who we are. Paul also says in Romans 5:5 that "the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit." This is more than a beautiful expression; God's Spirit is actively producing His own love and character within His people. As 1 John 3 explains, God's children are identified by the love they have for Him and for one another.

One of the most remarkable truths in this chapter is that Christ died for humanity long before anyone deserved such a sacrifice. Before we cared about God, He loved us. Before we recognized our own sin, Christ gave His life for us. Paul emphasizes that "while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).  At the same time, this truth carries an expectation. Christ died for sinners, but He did not die so that people could remain comfortably in sin. His sacrifice calls believers to repentance and a transformed life. Those who receive His grace are expected to leave their former way of living behind and pursue righteousness.

Paul then explains that believers are justified by Christ's blood and will be saved from God's wrath through Him. These verses have deep connections to the Passover. Jesus established the New Covenant during the Passover meal, identifying the cup as the New Covenant in His blood (Luke 22:7, 20). Each year God's people observe the Passover by partaking of the bread and wine in remembrance of Christ's sacrifice. The original Passover foreshadowed salvation from God's wrath when the Israelites placed the blood of the lamb on their doorposts so that judgment would pass over their homes. In the same way, Christians are spared from the penalty of sin through the blood of the true Lamb of God.

Paul also says that believers are "saved by His life." Jesus Christ is the Bread of Life, and His living presence continues to save His people as they walk with Him. Immediately following Passover comes the Feast of Unleavened Bread, during which God's people eat unleavened bread as a picture of taking on the righteousness of Christ while putting away sin, symbolized by leaven. Together these festivals illustrate both aspects of salvation: forgiveness through Christ's death and transformation through His life. Through His sacrifice we are also reconciled to God. As Isaiah 59:1–2 teaches, sin separates people from God, but through faith in Christ that separation is removed and fellowship with God is restored.

Paul then begins discussing Adam and the entrance of sin into the world, raising the question of whether God's law existed before it was given to Israel at Mount Sinai. Scripture makes it clear that it did. Cain was judged for murder, Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed because of sin, and the world in Noah's day was condemned for its wickedness. When the law was given to Israel at Sinai, God was not creating a new moral standard; He was revealing His law to His covenant people. That revealed law continues to serve as God's instruction today. God's law is not arbitrary but reflects His own character, reveals His will and teaches His purpose for mankind. It embodies His love and provides the standard by which sin is recognized.

Finally, Paul explains that death reigned from Adam onward, even over those who had not sinned in the same manner as Adam. He identifies Adam as "a type of Him who was to come"(Romans 5:14), preparing for the comparison he develops throughout the remainder of the chapter. Paul later expands this same comparison in 1 Corinthians 15:45, referring to Christ as "the last Adam." Through Adam came sin and death, but through Jesus Christ come righteousness, life, and the hope of restoration for all who walk in the footsteps of faith.

Epistles of Paul is a course taught at ABC by Mr. Steve Myers. Recordings from the 2023–2024 class year are available on the ABC website. 

UYA Team | uya@ucg.org  

United Young Adults (UYA) primarily serves the 18–32-year age group for the United Church of God. There are three main areas of contribution to the lives of young adults: Promoting Spiritual Growth, Developing Meaningful Relationships and Making the Most of Your Talents. The Know Your Sword series is a daily expository message introducing God’s Word from a trusted perspective.