Justification by Faith: The Transformative Work of Christ

 

Summary

In our exploration of Romans 5:12-21, we delve into the profound theological truths concerning justification by faith and the work of Jesus Christ as the second Adam. Justification by faith alone is not a new concept introduced by Paul; it is a truth that even Abraham understood and believed. This justification brings with it immense blessings, including peace with God, the presence of the Holy Spirit, and joy. Paul emphasizes that our justification rests on the surest foundation, which is crucial for us to understand, especially in times of suffering.

Paul contrasts Adam and Christ, illustrating that just as Adam's sin was imputed to all his descendants, Christ's righteousness is imputed to all who are in Him. This parallel highlights the representative roles of both Adam and Christ. While Adam's disobedience brought condemnation, Christ's obedience brings justification and life. Paul clarifies that the "all" and "many" in these verses refer to those whom Christ represents, not a universal salvation for all humanity.

The work of Christ is multifaceted. It includes His death on the cross, which wipes away our sins, and His life of obedience, which fulfills the law on our behalf. This righteousness is a free gift, imputed to us, and it assures us of our standing before God. Paul stresses that Christ's work not only undoes the damage caused by Adam but also brings us into a new life where we reign with Him. This is not merely a return to the starting line but an elevation to a life of blessing and fellowship with God.

Understanding these truths transforms our perspective on unity within the church and our identity in Christ. The divisions we see in the world are superficial compared to the fundamental division of being in Adam or in Christ. In the church, our unity in Christ should overshadow any differences. The gospel not only frees us from sin's penalty but also grants us life and communion with God, a hope that is secure and unshakeable.

Key Takeaways:

- Justification by faith is a timeless truth, exemplified by Abraham, and it brings profound blessings such as peace with God and joy in the Holy Spirit. This assurance is crucial, especially in times of suffering, as it rests on the sure foundation of Christ's work. [01:32]

- The parallel between Adam and Christ highlights the representative nature of their roles. While Adam's disobedience brought condemnation, Christ's obedience brings justification and life to those He represents. This understanding deepens our appreciation of the gospel's scope and impact. [04:48]

- Christ's work is not limited to His death on the cross; it includes His life of perfect obedience. This righteousness is imputed to us, assuring us of our standing before God and elevating us to a life of blessing and fellowship with Him. [14:51]

- The divisions we see in the world are superficial compared to the fundamental division of being in Adam or in Christ. In the church, our unity in Christ should overshadow any differences, fostering a deeper sense of community and fellowship. [21:26]

- The gospel not only frees us from sin's penalty but also grants us life and communion with God. This hope is secure and unshakeable, anchored in the completed work of Christ, and it assures us of our eternal standing with God. [23:00]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:43] - Justification by Faith: A Timeless Truth
[01:32] - The Foundation of Our Justification
[02:19] - The Second Adam: Jesus Christ
[03:08] - Union with Christ
[03:56] - Adam and Christ: A Parallel
[04:48] - Representative Roles of Adam and Christ
[05:33] - Clarifying Universalism
[06:17] - The Scope of Salvation
[07:01] - Understanding "All" and "Many"
[08:37] - The Deeper Division: In Adam or In Christ
[10:50] - The Work of Christ: A Firm Foundation
[11:33] - God's Courtroom: Justification Explained
[13:09] - The Free Gift of Righteousness
[14:51] - Assurance in Christ's Righteousness
[16:30] - More Than a Return to the Starting Line
[17:19] - Reigning in Life Through Christ
[18:55] - Christ's Obedience and Our Blessing
[19:48] - The Unshakeable Hope in Christ

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Romans 5:12-21
- Romans 3:22-24
- 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9

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Observation Questions:

1. What are the blessings mentioned in Romans 5:1-5 that come with justification by faith? How do these blessings provide comfort during times of suffering? [01:32]

2. How does Paul describe the representative roles of Adam and Christ in Romans 5:12-21? What is the significance of these roles? [04:48]

3. In the sermon, what does Paul mean by the "all" and "many" in Romans 5:18-19? How does this relate to the concept of universalism? [07:01]

4. According to the sermon, what does it mean to "reign in life" through Jesus Christ as mentioned in Romans 5:17? [17:19]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of justification by faith alone, as understood by Abraham, challenge or affirm contemporary views of faith and works? [00:43]

2. What does the sermon suggest about the nature of unity within the church, and how does this unity transcend worldly divisions? [21:26]

3. How does the sermon explain the multifaceted work of Christ, including His life of obedience and death on the cross, in relation to our standing before God? [14:51]

4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the hope offered by the gospel is "secure and unshakeable"? How does this hope impact a believer's life? [23:00]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a recent time of suffering or trial in your life. How did your understanding of justification by faith provide comfort or assurance during that time? [01:32]

2. Consider the divisions you observe in your community or church. How can you actively promote unity in Christ that overshadows these differences? [21:26]

3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding our identity in Christ. How does this understanding influence your daily decisions and interactions with others? [20:36]

4. In what ways can you more fully embrace the "free gift of righteousness" in your life? Are there areas where you struggle to accept this gift? [13:09]

5. Think about a specific relationship or situation where you need to "reign in life" through Christ. What steps can you take to live out this truth more fully? [17:19]

6. How can you cultivate a deeper sense of joy and peace in the Holy Spirit, as mentioned in the sermon, in your everyday life? [01:32]

7. Identify one area in your life where you feel the hope of the gospel is being challenged. What practical steps can you take to anchor yourself more firmly in this hope? [23:00]

Devotional

Day 1: Justification by Faith Brings Peace and Joy
Justification by faith is a timeless truth that brings profound blessings such as peace with God and joy in the Holy Spirit. This assurance is crucial, especially in times of suffering, as it rests on the sure foundation of Christ's work. Just as Abraham believed and was counted righteous, so too are we justified by faith, receiving peace with God and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. This peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a deep-seated tranquility that comes from being reconciled with God. In times of trial, this peace and joy become our anchor, reminding us of the unshakeable foundation of our faith. [01:32]

Romans 5:1-2 (ESV): "Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to experience God's peace and joy today? How can you actively seek His presence in those areas?


Day 2: Adam and Christ: The Two Representatives
The parallel between Adam and Christ highlights the representative nature of their roles. While Adam's disobedience brought condemnation, Christ's obedience brings justification and life to those He represents. This understanding deepens our appreciation of the gospel's scope and impact. Adam's sin was imputed to all humanity, leading to death and separation from God. In contrast, Christ's righteousness is imputed to all who are in Him, bringing life and reconciliation. This profound truth underscores the transformative power of the gospel, which not only addresses the consequences of sin but also offers a new identity in Christ. [04:48]

1 Corinthians 15:21-22 (ESV): "For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive."

Reflection: How does understanding your identity in Christ change the way you view your past mistakes and future potential?


Day 3: Christ's Obedience and Our Righteousness
Christ's work is not limited to His death on the cross; it includes His life of perfect obedience. This righteousness is imputed to us, assuring us of our standing before God and elevating us to a life of blessing and fellowship with Him. Christ's obedience fulfilled the law on our behalf, and His righteousness is a free gift that assures us of our eternal standing with God. This assurance is not based on our merit but on Christ's completed work, which elevates us to a new life of blessing and communion with God. [14:51]

2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV): "For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."

Reflection: In what ways can you live out the righteousness of Christ in your daily interactions with others?


Day 4: Unity in Christ Overcomes Worldly Divisions
The divisions we see in the world are superficial compared to the fundamental division of being in Adam or in Christ. In the church, our unity in Christ should overshadow any differences, fostering a deeper sense of community and fellowship. The gospel calls us to transcend worldly divisions and embrace our shared identity in Christ. This unity is not merely an ideal but a lived reality that reflects the transformative power of the gospel. As members of the body of Christ, we are called to love and serve one another, demonstrating the unity that Christ has achieved for us. [21:26]

Ephesians 4:3-6 (ESV): "Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."

Reflection: How can you actively promote unity within your church community this week?


Day 5: The Gospel's Unshakeable Hope
The gospel not only frees us from sin's penalty but also grants us life and communion with God. This hope is secure and unshakeable, anchored in the completed work of Christ, and it assures us of our eternal standing with God. The hope we have in Christ is not a fleeting emotion but a steadfast assurance rooted in His finished work. This hope empowers us to live boldly and confidently, knowing that our future is secure in Him. As we embrace this hope, we are called to share it with others, inviting them into the life and communion that Christ offers. [23:00]

Hebrews 6:19-20 (ESV): "We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek."

Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear about the hope you have in Christ? How can you share this hope with them today?

Quotes

We saw from Romans chapter 3 that to be justified means to be declared righteous. We are declared righteous solely on the basis of Christ's righteousness. A righteousness that is given to us, imputed, reckoned to our account and received through faith alone but Paul is hardly done with justification by faith alone in this Epistle. [00:00:35]

Paul wants us to know the blessings that come with justification, peace with God, the presence of the Holy Spirit, access into his presence, joy in the Holy Spirit. And then in verses 12 through 21 where we find ourselves in this lecture, Paul wants us to know that our justification rests on the surest possible foundation. [00:01:32]

Paul argues that there is a union, a bond between Adam, the representative head, and his posterity, not including Jesus Christ, and that Adam's sin has been imputed or made over to the account of his posterity and all that follows from that. But now Paul wants us to understand that there's something similar in terms of the relationship between Jesus Christ and his people. [00:03:37]

Paul sets Adam and Christ right next to one another in verse 19, the one man and the One man. But the point is in many ways, Paul is stressing that Jesus Christ is our representative head, our federal head just as Adam is a representative or federal head. [00:04:48]

The "all" and the "many" are all those whom Jesus Christ represents. They are all his people because after all, in verse 18 in the first part, Paul says as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, he means all men whom Adam represented. Jesus Christ who is a true man is not in that number so all men means all whom Adam or Christ represents. [00:07:36]

Paul is hammering home in this letter that as good as it is to be a Jew if you are a Jew, it is far more important that you be in Jesus Christ and he wants people to know that if you are in Adam whether you Jew or Greek, that's serious business but the glory of the gospel is that in Jesus Christ, there's salvation for all kinds of people through faith in Him. [00:09:55]

Paul brings us once again into God's courtroom. We are in the court of law. So verse 16, and the free gift is not like the result of that one man sin for the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation but the free gift following many trespasses has brought justification. Judgment, condemnation -- that's the law court. [00:11:33]

Paul says the free gift of Jesus Christ that brought a different sentence in God's courtroom, that has brought justification. We are declared righteous. And you see Paul again stressing that point in verse 18 -- condemnation in Adam, justification in Jesus Christ. Again verse 19, in Adam the many were constituted sinners but in Jesus Christ, the many are constituted righteous. [00:12:22]

The gift of righteousness that Jesus has accomplished, that Jesus gives freely to his people, we don't earn it. It is given. It is made over to us in God's courtroom and on that foundation God declares us righteous. [00:14:41]

Certainly, Jesus has undone the damage that Adam has done for his people and the damage that Adam has done is sin and our sin, it's guilt is wiped away, but the glory of the gospel is not that we are brought back to the starting line where Adam was and told you get a do over. [00:16:30]

Jesus has obeyed the law for the Christian and because Jesus has obeyed the law for us, we enter into blessing and life and fellowship with God. And we have that blessing and that fellowship and that's ours because Jesus has gone before us and he has obeyed and he has won life for us. [00:19:03]

The gospel does not simply releases from the penalty of sin. It does and that is its glory. We are forgiven. But you see, the gospel makes us in Jesus Christ to reign in life and we're brought into life blessedness, fellowship, communion with God and we stand righteous with him. [00:22:15]

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Transcript
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