Romans 5:1-5

1: Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
2: through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.
3: And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance;
4: and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope;
5: and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

*** 

The beauty of being justified by faith is that we have peace with God. Only justification, which takes away the guilt, can bring us into this place where we are no longer warring against our Creator. Our faith is in Jesus who introduces us to the grace that we stand in. 

The word translated exult here carries a sort of triumphant air to it. We’re not boastful in our salvation for we’ve seen that we haven’t earned it, it’s a gift from God to those who believe. Yet we celebrate that we have this hope of God’s glory to come. Not only that, but we exult in our present troubles because when we persevere, our character is tested and proven, and this in turn strengthens our hope. 

Look at the strengthened character that comes when you persevere through the troubles in life and you have something to rejoice about and look forward to. You have hope. You are becoming more like Jesus, overcoming the sin and temptations of life, as well as the obstacles the enemy throws in your path.

This kind of hope doesn’t disappoint or deceive us, especially when we understand the love of God that has been poured into us who have received His Holy Spirit—Whom Jesus promised to send after His ascension into heaven, and He did send on the Day of Pentecost.

The hope of being free from the chains of sin, justified as well as purified by the love and holiness of God, strengthened to overcome in this life, not falling into temptations and traps, gives us reason to celebrate in the victory our Lord Jesus has won for us.

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