1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
3 And not only [so], but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.
8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
11 And not only [so], but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.
12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
13 (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.
14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.
15 But not as the offence, so also [is] the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, [which is] by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.
16 And not as [it was] by one that sinned, [so is] the gift: for the judgment [was] by one to condemnation, but the free gift [is] of many offences unto justification.
17 For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)
18 Therefore as by the offence of one [judgment came] upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one [the free gift came] upon all men unto justification of life.
19 For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:
21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
Overview of Romans Chapter 5
Romans Chapter 5 is a pivotal section in Paul’s epistle to the Romans, where he elaborates on the themes of justification, grace, and the contrast between Adam and Christ. This chapter serves as a theological foundation for understanding the implications of faith in Jesus Christ and the resulting benefits of salvation.
Key Themes
- Justification by Faith: The chapter opens with a declaration of peace with God through faith.
- The Role of Suffering: Paul discusses how suffering produces perseverance, character, and hope.
- The Contrast Between Adam and Christ: The chapter highlights the effects of sin introduced by Adam and the redemptive work of Christ.
- Grace Abounding: The abundance of grace through Christ is emphasized, showcasing the superabundance of God’s gift compared to sin.
Detailed Analysis
Justification and Peace with God (Verses 1-2)
Paul begins by stating that being justified by faith grants believers peace with God. This peace signifies a restored relationship, contrasting the enmity caused by sin. The access to grace through faith is also introduced, establishing the believer’s standing before God.
The Role of Suffering (Verses 3-5)
In these verses, Paul presents a paradoxical view of suffering. Rather than viewing suffering as purely negative, he asserts that it leads to perseverance, which in turn builds character and hope. This hope is not disappointing because it is rooted in the love of God, which is poured into the hearts of believers through the Holy Spirit.
The Love of God (Verses 6-8)
Paul emphasizes the unconditional love of God, demonstrated through Christ’s sacrificial death for the ungodly. This act of love is portrayed as a profound example of grace, highlighting that Christ died for sinners, reinforcing the idea that no one is beyond redemption.
Salvation from Wrath (Verses 9-11)
Paul asserts that justification through Christ saves believers from God’s wrath. The reconciliation achieved through Christ’s death is contrasted with the life believers receive through His resurrection. This dual aspect of salvation emphasizes both the removal of guilt and the positive gift of eternal life.
The Contrast Between Adam and Christ (Verses 12-21)
In this section, Paul draws a theological parallel between Adam and Christ, illustrating how sin entered the world through one man, leading to death for all. Conversely, through Christ, the gift of grace leads to justification and life. This comparison serves to highlight the far-reaching consequences of both Adam’s disobedience and Christ’s obedience.
- Sin and Death: Adam’s sin brought death, impacting all humanity.
- Grace and Life: Christ’s righteousness offers a gift that overcomes the effects of sin.
Conclusion of the Chapter (Verses 20-21)
The chapter concludes with a powerful affirmation that where sin increased, grace increased all the more. This reinforces the idea that God’s grace is sufficient to cover all sin, providing hope and assurance to believers. Paul ends by affirming that grace reigns through righteousness, leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ.
Significance of Romans Chapter 5
Romans Chapter 5 is significant for several reasons:
- It establishes a foundational understanding of the Christian doctrine of justification by faith.
- It offers a perspective on suffering that encourages believers to view trials as opportunities for growth.
- It highlights the transformative power of grace and the assurance of salvation through Christ.
- It sets the stage for further theological discussions in subsequent chapters regarding the implications of living in the Spirit and the nature of Christian life.
