16 The Triumph of Faith

Romans chapter 5 continues what has been seen throughout the first four chapters, by providing even more of the greatest doctrinal statements in Scripture, and that is even seen at the beginning of the chapter:

1 Peace with God

Paul begins chapter five, by connecting it with his concluding thoughts from the previous chapter, which spoke of how every believer has righteousness imputed to them:

Romans 5:1-2

In verse one, he speaks of how the believer is “justified by faith”, which as seen throughout the previous chapters, presents the idea of an individual who has been acquitted and deemed to be innocent.

Paul’s first doctrinal statement is declarative and emphatic, presenting how the believer’s status in Christ has indeed been accomplished.

Paul begins by showing that peace with God is the fruit of our being justified.

Only believers (those justified) can have peace with God, since they are no longer under (subject to) God’s wrath. Prior to being saved, everyone is at enmity with God, since the individual is living by their own standards, thus putting them in opposition to God.

However, peace with God comes about when one is “in” Christ:

Ephesians 1:6

Paul’s second doctrinal statement is found in verse 2, where he speaks of how the believer is granted access to God’s freely given gift of grace.

That shows how not only is God’s grace necessary for the believer’s salvation, but for their present standing in Christ as well.

2 An Ongoing Work

Romans 5:3-4

Paul begins this section, by connecting it to what he had just discussed. That is understood, by the clause “And not only that,”.

Paul shows that the same grace is necessary to enable believers to deal with the difficulties (even those extraordinary) in life.

The reason is because life presents everyone (including believers) with a series of highs and lows. God’s grace is necessary to enable the Christian to handle both.

Paul used the word “tribulation” to describe unrelenting hardships and difficulties.

And Paul said that the believer can “glory in tribulations”.

That can only happen as the believer focuses on Christ, despite what they may be facing in life. One example may be seen by how the first martyr Stephen, reacted when he was about to be executed:

Acts 7:54-56

And even though all modern “tribulation” for the believer, doesn’t lead to martyrdom, it still speaks of constant stress and hardship. Yet, the Lord will be with His child throughout everything, which is why Paul made the statement:

Romans 5:3-4

Paul speaks of tribulation producing patience (perseverance).

Any easy way to understand that, is by looking at the Old French word for perseverance. It’s the word <persever> which speaks of continuing under that which is severe.

So, to be patient in the face of severe circumstances and pressure, is to “persevere”.

Paul then speaks of perseverance builds character. The Greek word for “character” is the word <dokimēn> which means “proof” or “proven”.

This recalls how precious metals must go through the heat of a furnace, to produce that which is “proven” and therefore of true value.

Next, Paul stated that character produces hope.

The Greek word for Greek, literally means “confidence”. But this doesn’t speak about self-confidence. The believer’s confidence must only be in the Lord.

3 A Work of the Spirit

Because the believer’s hope is centered in Christ, they aren’t disappointed:

Romans 5:5

The believer will not be disappointed, because nothing in God’s Word is ever unfulfilled, since the Lord is completely faithful.

There are several passages of Scripture which speak to the fact that believers are not to be ashamed:

Psalm 25:3

And:

1 Peter 2:6

In the Romans 5:5 text, Paul states the believer’s hope will never lead to disappointment, because God has poured out His love into their hearts.

In 1 John 4:8, we’re told that God is love, speaking of perfect and complete love.

But while love is one of God’s attributes, it is one which He can transmit to His children in degrees. Meaning that we cannot have absolute and complete love as He possesses. We possess and display it to varying degrees.

It’s that love which also enables us to realize the great love the Father has for us, in that He sent His Son to die in our place.

Then, we see the unparalleled love the Son had, as He willingly laid down His life for us.

The apostle John stated, this is how we come to “know” God’s love:

1 John 3:16

There is one other great doctrinal statement found in with the first five verses of the chapter. At the conclusion of verse 5, we’re told the channel by which the believer receives God’s love, and that is through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Every believer receives the Holy Spirit at the moment of conversion. He then abides within the believer’s heart forever. And as shown in the verse, the Holy Spirit is the member of the Godhead who imparts the love of God to us.