Read Romans 5
Key Verses: “1Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.”
Observation: What a powerful section of scripture. This whole section from verses 1 to 11 lays out the complete picture of what coming to Jesus is all about. It is launched into by faith and Paul describes a lot of pieces of what that faith does. The first step is that it takes us into grace. Grace is getting what we don’t deserve…. 1) Christ died for us to grant us reconciliation so that we could no longer be enemies of God but come to peace with God. 2) We could have the Holy Spirit given to us. 3) While we were still sinners Christ died for us. 4) We have been justified by Christ’s blood and are no longer enemies of God. All of these things Jesus has made possible for us and all of these things are the issues of faith. I have to trust in what Jesus has done for me. Not just have a mental assent that they happened but really trust in them, have “faith” in them.
Application: I think Satan has lulled us into sleep over thinking that God’s grace, our sin, and Christ’s work for us is not that big of a deal and that it’s not really that important. Therefore, faith in my heart can tend to become just something that is necessary – sort of like drinking water – I know I need it, I know it is important but it’s not that enjoyable and I would much rather drink something else – like coffee. Paul pleads his case that grace is everything and it is of utmost importance and so it is therefore worth doing all we can to obtain it and hold onto it. This faith and grace is the only way we can have peace with God. I must cherish my faith.
Prayer: Father, thank you for forgiving my sins by your grace and calling me by faith into your kingdom. I am sorry that at times I may take your grace for granted and not cherish it as I should.
