Today's lesson comes from Romans 5: 1-11. "Thus far Paul has established the need of justification, and its equal terms for Jews and Gentiles; and that faith in Christ's blood is its one appointed condition. Now he is about to deal with the effects of faith in life and character." (Cambridge Bible) In chapter 4 of Romans, Paul deals primarily with how Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Paul is showing that faith in God's promises is the most important thing. Abraham was not justified by good works or by conformity to ceremonial rites. Paul concludes chapter 4 by stating that the record of Abraham's faith was set down for our example. Chapter 5 opens with a description of the life of those who have been justified by faith.
The first section is "A Victorious Life." vv. 1-5 Since we have been justified by faith, our guilt is removed. We have God's favor. This is not "peace from God" but "peace with God." The rebellion is over and we no can have an internal feeling of peace. God has forgiven our past, and peace has been declared "through our Lord Jesus Christ."
In addition, Christ gives us standing grace. Verse 2 tells us we have access to the grace that enables us to be established. Establishing grace , the grace of perfect love, will cleanse us from all sin. This is holiness, also called entire sanctification. This grace causes us to "rejoice in hope of the glory of God." Moreover, the peace with God, the standing grace and the hope of Glory enable us to rejoice in tribulations. Sorrow, distress, and adversity come to all people. However, in the life of the sanctified Christian, these difficulties are the appointed means for the separation of whatever is light and tribal from the solid and true. Holiness shines the brightest in the darkest of times. Tribulation works patience, endurance, and constancy. Steadfastness under tribulation develops faithfulness to truth and duty. It makes the believer stronger. Further, there is growth in grace and spiritual understanding. The believer draws closer to God and learns more about His ways and His person. In addition, since the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts, we have a hope that will not falter under the most trying circumstances. When God abides in your heart with sanctifying power, you will stand and not fall.
The second section is "A Redeemed Life." vv. 6-8 "When we were yet without strength," Christ died for us. We were unable to choose God. We did not want to choose God. We had free will, but that free will did not want God. John Wesley believed in prevenient grace. God does something to our hearts that allows us to choose Him. Christ died for the ungodly. He came to call sinners to repentance. Those that were sick, the religious hypocrites of that day (and this day also), did not believe they needed help. The convicted sinner knows they are sick and need a physician. Christ did die instead of the ungodly when He died in their behalf. God showed His love for sinners, while we were in rebellion, His love led Jesus to die for us. Christ died as our Champion, Friend, and Brother. He laid down His own life willingly for our sakes. All of the miracles of the Old Testament and the New Testament together are not as marvelous as this expression of the infinite love of God. There is not a more certain proof of God's perfect love for all mankind than the sacrifice of His Son. We owe to Jesus Christ all we have or hope for: peace, communion with God, joy, hope and eternal life.
The third section is "A Reconciled Life." vv. 9-11 Once we have been justified by faith, we are to live a reconciled life. This salvation is both full and free. It includes deliverance and cleansing from the carnal nature. It means restoration to a state of holiness. Salvation delivers from both sin and its punishment. To be "reconciled to God," means that the relationship between God and man has changed through Christ. We are saved through the life of Jesus Christ. We are made partakers of His holiness. Merely escaping from wrath is not full salvation. We are not truly saved until we are made over into the image of Christ Himself.
The reconciled life is one of Christian joy. This joy is:
1. The joy of free activity in doing right;
2. The joy of entire consecration and submission to God;
3. The joy of doing good;
4. The joy of perfect faith in a wise and loving God, committing everything to His care;
5. The joy of the conscious love of God, communion and friendship with Him;
6. The joy of loving others; and
7. The joy of seeing others saved.
The Golden Text is: "For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God." (1 Peter 3:18) "It is through Christ's death that mercy is proclaimed to the guilty; it is by that alone that God can be reconciled to people. The fact that the Son of God loved people, and gave Himself a sacrifice for them, enduring such bitter sorrows, is the most powerful appeal which can be made to mankind to induce them to return to God." (A. Barnes)
My summary points:
1. We are to have a victorious life in Christ regardless of the tribulations that come our way.
2. Christ died for us while we were still sinners and in rebellion to God.
3. Salvation is full and free and includes freedom from guilt and deliverance from our carnal nature.
Next week's lesson: "Dead to Sin." Romans 6:1-14; 22,23.
Don't forget to read the Sunday School Beacon for inspiration and encouragement.
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