The fifth chapter of Romans introduces the glorious theme of the life of one who has been justified through faith in Christ, and escaping the wrath of God. From this point forward it is important to realize the intended audience, so that someone who is not a believer should think that this text is for them.Mankind was created for glory but, because of sin, had fallen “short of the glory of God” (3:23). It is God’s purpose to recreate His image, His glory, fully in us. Because of Christ, we now hope for (anticipate, look forward to, expect as a promise from God) the time when we will share Christ’s glory. This hope helps us overcome our present frustrations when we fail to be all that we want to be or all that God wants us to be.
In this chapter Paul mentions three occasions for rejoicing:
1. In the hope of the glory of God (5:2). Anticipating our future with God ought to bring moments of joy. We stand in God’s grace, and the outcome of our lives is secure in His hands.
2. In our suffering (5:3). Paul’s contemporary, James, also understood this well.
3. In God (5:11). Our faith in Jesus Christ frees us to deeply enjoy our relationship with God. We no longer need to be haunted by thoughts of judgment; now we can reflect upon and respond in comfort and joy to His grace. As Paul wrote to the Philippians, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”
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