Riches of justification by faith belong to every believer - they have but to be claimed.

Romans 5:1 "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,"

"Therefore" points to the truths dealt with in Chapters 1 - 4. Now are listed our rich blessings as the justified. "We have". What we have with God should be experienced personally. Actually there are times when we do not appropriate the peace that is ours. We should claim what is freely ours. Peace is the inner serenity experienced by those who know they are fully accepted by the Father in Christ. Peace is undisturbed when confidence in the Lord is maintained.

Romans 5:2 "through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God."

"We have access by faith". Our entrance into the throne room of God is through Jesus Christ (Hebrews 4:16 ). Its the privilege of the justified. "And rejoice in hope of the glory of God". Every cause for rejoicing, because hope here means certainty - assurance. "Now this hope does not disappoint" (Romans 5:5 ). This is true because our hope is in Christ.

Tribulation, far from being negative, it brings positive additions to character building. We have hearts full of the love of God. "Poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit ..." (Romans 5:5 ). Motivating and equipping us for every kind (Romans 5:5 ) of service, demonstrated in Christ's sacrifice (Romans 5:6-8 ). "The Holy Spirit who was given to us" (Romans 5:5 ). Indwelt because justified - to be His channel of love. Loved when we were enemies, we now enjoy security as His friends (Romans 5:9-11 ).

"Justified by His blood" (Romans 5:9 ). "Saved by His life" (Romans 5:10 ). After Adam sinned he and his descendants could only father sinners.

Romans 5:12 "Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned--"

Sin was evident in the world before the law, through death. "Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses" (Romans 5:14,15, Ephesians 2:1 ). God offers, in the place of the Adam old creation, a new creation in Christ Jesus. The grace of God through Jesus Christ has much greater impact upon mankind than the sin of Adam (Romans 5:15-21 ).

Romans 5:20 "... But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more,"

God's grace is offered to all mankind, and the supply of grace so abounding, sin will be finally removed and grace will reign eternally. Righteousness is a possible reality for all (Romans 5:21 ).

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QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. Are you experiencing the rich blessings of peace, access, hope, as one justified - and can you give testimony to them (Romans 5:9-11 )?

2. What reason would you give for your being able to live a life that is pleasing to God (Romans 5:9-11 )?

3. What great impact has God's grace had on you and your family (Romans 5:20- 21 )?