Benefits of Justification
Romans 5:1-8
Paul begins with a very important word, “therefore.” To understand what comes after, one must understand the aforementioned. The last verse of chapter four in the amplified Bible reads, “Who was betrayed and put to death because of our misdeeds and was raised to secure our justification (our acquittal), [making our account balance and absolving us from all guilt before God.]” The King James says that Christ rose for our justification. The word for is the Greek word dia which has the meaning of denoting a channel of action. Because Christ rose from the dead, our justification is secure.
Because of what Christ finished on the cross and in His resurrection, we can be justified by faith. Faith only comes through knowledge, or discernment, of Him who has called us to glory and virtue according to I Peter. The more knowledge of God we have, the more faith we have access to because we understand Him more and the more astute our spiritual eyes become. In addition, biblical, living faith is belief in action or obedience; so, we cannot be obedient if we know not what the Word says.
Earlier in Romans, Paul tells us that the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith. Faith is passed down. The perfect example is Christ. Because of Christ’s faith, we can be justified with God.
Paul then tells us the benefits of justification. First, we have peace because we have been acquitted vs. one. We no longer have to undergo the wrath of the Almighty. Secondly, we have access to the grace of God vs. 2a, Heb. 4:16, I Peter 2:16. We can boldly go to God ourselves through prayer but not condescendingly. We can also stand in the grace of God. Next, we can have true joy. Paul and Silas had joy when they were beaten and imprisoned because of the justification vs. 2b. They understood that what man can do is nothing compared to the glory we share in Christ. We can also glory in tribulation vs. 3-5a. This ability to glory leads to patience or endurance, experience or maturity, hope and strength. Lastly, we receive the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete vs. 6, Eph. 4:30. God is with us. So, where are you in faith and justification?