Justification by Faith: Peace and Assurance in Christ

 

Summary

In our exploration of Romans chapter 5, we delve into the profound implications of being justified by faith. This justification is not merely a theological concept but a transformative reality that grants us peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. This peace is not just an inner tranquility but a reconciled relationship with God, removing the enmity that once existed between us and Him. The Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of understanding the logical deductions from this doctrine, as it forms the foundation of our Christian life.

The word "therefore" is pivotal in Paul's argument, signifying the logical progression from justification to the assurance of salvation. This assurance is not based on our efforts but on the completed work of Christ. Paul argues that our salvation is absolute, complete, and final, guaranteed by our union with Christ. This union is as certain as our previous union with Adam, and it ensures our ultimate glorification.

Paul challenges the common classification of Romans 5-8, which often separates justification and sanctification too rigidly. Instead, he presents these chapters as a cohesive argument for the certainty of our salvation. The Apostle's focus is on the fullness and finality of salvation, which is not merely about receiving blessings but about being in a right relationship with God.

The peace we have with God is foundational, preceding any blessings we might receive. This peace is not the same as the peace of God, which pertains to our inner tranquility amidst life's trials. Instead, peace with God is about our standing before Him, made possible through justification by faith. This peace is the starting point for all other aspects of the Christian life, ensuring that we are in a position to receive God's blessings and ultimately leading to our glorification.

Key Takeaways:

- Justification by faith grants us peace with God, a reconciled relationship that removes the enmity between us and Him. This peace is foundational and precedes any blessings we might receive from God. [23:04]

- The word "therefore" in Paul's writings signifies a logical progression from justification to the assurance of salvation. Understanding this progression is crucial for living a victorious Christian life. [02:40]

- Our salvation is absolute, complete, and final, guaranteed by our union with Christ. This union ensures our ultimate glorification, just as our previous union with Adam ensured our condemnation. [12:07]

- The peace we have with God is not the same as the peace of God. Peace with God pertains to our standing before Him, while the peace of God relates to our inner tranquility amidst life's trials. [36:23]

- The primary purpose of the Christian Gospel is to reconcile us to God, not merely to provide blessings. This reconciliation is the foundation for all other aspects of the Christian life. [28:33]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:09] - Introduction to Romans 5
- [00:29] - Justification by Faith
- [01:40] - God's Way of Salvation
- [02:18] - The Importance of "Therefore"
- [03:57] - Analysis of Romans 5-8
- [05:31] - Common Misclassifications
- [06:19] - The Real Business of Romans 5
- [08:04] - The Fullness and Finality of Salvation
- [09:09] - Peace with God
- [10:15] - The Certainty of Salvation
- [12:07] - Union with Christ
- [13:24] - Addressing Objections
- [15:12] - The Triumph of Chapter 8
- [16:37] - Justification to Glorification
- [18:08] - A New Perspective on Romans
- [19:14] - Detailed Exposition of Romans 5:1-2
- [23:04] - The Priority of Peace with God
- [28:33] - The Gospel's Primary Purpose

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Romans 5

Bible Reading:
- Romans 5:1-2
- Romans 8:30
- Philippians 4:7

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Observation Questions:

1. What does Romans 5:1-2 say about our relationship with God after being justified by faith? How does this relate to the concept of peace with God? [00:29]

2. In the sermon, how does the pastor describe the significance of the word "therefore" in Romans 5:1? What does it indicate about the logical progression in Paul's argument? [02:40]

3. According to the sermon, what is the difference between "peace with God" and "the peace of God"? How does this distinction affect our understanding of the Christian life? [36:23]

4. How does the pastor explain the connection between justification and glorification in Romans 8:30? What does this imply about the certainty of our salvation? [17:22]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. Why does the pastor emphasize the importance of understanding the logical deductions from the doctrine of justification by faith? How does this understanding impact a believer's life? [03:08]

2. How does the sermon challenge the common classification of Romans 5-8 regarding justification and sanctification? What is the pastor's perspective on the cohesiveness of these chapters? [05:31]

3. In what ways does the pastor argue that our union with Christ guarantees our ultimate glorification? How does this union compare to our previous union with Adam? [12:07]

4. How does the pastor's explanation of "peace with God" as a foundational aspect of the Christian life influence the way believers should approach their relationship with God? [23:04]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your understanding of justification by faith. How does knowing you have peace with God change the way you approach your daily life and relationship with Him? [23:04]

2. The pastor mentions the importance of the word "therefore" in understanding the progression of Paul's argument. How can you apply this logical approach to other areas of your faith journey? [02:40]

3. Consider the distinction between "peace with God" and "the peace of God." How can you ensure that your focus remains on your standing with God rather than just seeking inner tranquility? [36:23]

4. The sermon highlights the certainty of our salvation through our union with Christ. How does this assurance affect your confidence in facing life's challenges and uncertainties? [12:07]

5. The pastor challenges the common separation of justification and sanctification. How can you view your spiritual growth as a cohesive journey rather than isolated stages? [05:31]

6. Reflect on the pastor's emphasis on the primary purpose of the Gospel being reconciliation with God. How can this perspective shape the way you share your faith with others? [28:33]

7. The sermon discusses the importance of understanding our relationship with God before seeking His blessings. How can you prioritize your spiritual standing with God in your prayer life and daily actions? [23:32]

Devotional

Day 1: Reconciliation Through Justification by Faith
Justification by faith is a transformative reality that grants us peace with God, removing the enmity that once existed between us and Him. This peace is foundational, preceding any blessings we might receive from God. It is not merely an inner tranquility but a reconciled relationship with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Understanding this reconciliation is crucial as it forms the basis of our Christian life, ensuring that we are in a position to receive God's blessings and ultimately leading to our glorification. [23:04]

Romans 5:10-11 (ESV): "For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation."

Reflection: Consider a relationship in your life that needs reconciliation. How can you apply the peace you have with God to bring healing and restoration to that relationship today?


Day 2: The Logical Progression of Salvation
The word "therefore" in Paul's writings signifies a logical progression from justification to the assurance of salvation. This assurance is not based on our efforts but on the completed work of Christ. Understanding this progression is crucial for living a victorious Christian life, as it provides a firm foundation for our faith. By recognizing the logical deductions from the doctrine of justification, we can confidently embrace the certainty of our salvation and live in the fullness of God's promises. [02:40]

Hebrews 10:14 (ESV): "For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you doubted your salvation. How can understanding the logical progression from justification to assurance help you trust in the completed work of Christ today?


Day 3: The Certainty of Our Union with Christ
Our salvation is absolute, complete, and final, guaranteed by our union with Christ. This union ensures our ultimate glorification, just as our previous union with Adam ensured our condemnation. The Apostle Paul emphasizes that our salvation is not merely about receiving blessings but about being in a right relationship with God. This certainty of our union with Christ provides us with hope and confidence as we navigate the challenges of life, knowing that our future glorification is secure. [12:07]

1 Corinthians 15:22 (ESV): "For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive."

Reflection: In what ways do you see your identity more aligned with Adam than with Christ? How can you embrace your union with Christ more fully in your daily life?


Day 4: Distinguishing Peace with God from the Peace of God
The peace we have with God is not the same as the peace of God. Peace with God pertains to our standing before Him, made possible through justification by faith, while the peace of God relates to our inner tranquility amidst life's trials. This distinction is important as it helps us understand that our reconciled relationship with God is the foundation for experiencing His peace in our hearts. By recognizing this, we can better navigate life's challenges with the assurance that our standing before God is secure. [36:23]

Colossians 1:20 (ESV): "And through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross."

Reflection: Identify a current trial in your life. How can the assurance of your peace with God help you experience the peace of God in this situation?


Day 5: The Gospel's Primary Purpose of Reconciliation
The primary purpose of the Christian Gospel is to reconcile us to God, not merely to provide blessings. This reconciliation is the foundation for all other aspects of the Christian life, ensuring that we are in a right relationship with God. By understanding this purpose, we can shift our focus from seeking blessings to deepening our relationship with God, allowing His love and grace to transform every area of our lives. [28:33]

2 Corinthians 5:18-19 (ESV): "All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation."

Reflection: How can you prioritize your relationship with God over seeking His blessings? What steps can you take today to deepen your understanding of the Gospel's purpose in your life?

Quotes


Therefore being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand and rejoice in Hope of the glory of God. [00:15:50]

The whole secret of the Christian life is to know how to use the word therefore. It's a matter of logic, it's a matter of deduction, and the Christians throughout the centuries who have shined most brightly have always been those who have been able to use this therefore. [00:02:38]

Our salvation is absolute, it's complete, and it's final, and that nothing can ever rob you of it. That, I suggest, is the thing that he's going on to say. Now then, let me show you how he does so. I maintain that he states it immediately in these first two verses. [00:08:45]

The greatest proof of all of our final salvation and the guarantee of it is our union with Christ, is the fact that we are in him as we were in Adam. Now you see these other explanations, they're in trouble at this point. [00:12:07]

The primary purpose of the Christian Gospel is not to give men blessings. I say the primary purpose, its primary function, is to reconcile us to God. It is to bring us to God, it is to put us into this place in which we can ask God for blessings and God can bless us. [00:28:33]

Being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. This is the thing he puts first, you see. Secondly, he's going to put the blessings that we get from God through the Lord Jesus Christ. [00:23:04]

The peace of God that passeth all understanding is something that a man needs when surrounded by problems and difficulties and trials and so on. He's in grave danger of succumbing to anxious care and worry and over anxiety. [00:36:23]

The man who is justified by faith is a man who's in Christ, and because he's there, his final salvation is guaranteed. Then of course he goes on in chapter 6 and 7 to deal with objections to this. [00:13:24]

If God has sent his only son to die for us and our sins and did so even when we were enemies, well isn't it absolutely certain that he'll never allow us to fall? It's the great argument of the 10th verse. [00:11:00]

The Apostle will never let us forget as a matter of fact, but let us not foolishly fail to take notice of what he does and skip over it. Let's underline it, let's look in amazement at it, and let's ask ourselves whether we are as fond of the name as the Apostle Paul was. [00:21:12]

The peace we have with God is not the same as the peace of God. Peace with God pertains to our standing before Him, while the peace of God relates to our inner tranquility amidst life's trials. [00:36:23]

The Apostle is concerned from this point onwards primarily to show us the absolute character, the fullness, and the finality of our salvation which comes to us in the way that he has already described, namely as the result of faith. [00:08:09]

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