Based on a series of sermons preached in PCC Prayer Meetings in 2023-2024
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
Romans 5:1-5
‘Justification’ sounds like a cold theological word. It does not seem to have anything to do with Christian comfort. But it does. It is arguably the most comforting word in the Bible. It describes the most significant benefit that a sinner—deserving nothing but the wrath of God—may have.
It is what distinguishes Christianity from all religions of the world. All worldly religions teach that one may get to heaven if his good works outweigh his sins. But Christianity teaches that one may get to heaven only by grace alone through faith alone in Jesus Christ alone. The mechanism by which we receive this package of salvation is justification.
Our Shorter Catechism, Q. 33, describes it as “an act of God’s free grace, wherein he pardoneth all our sins, and accepteth us as righteous in his sight, only for the righteousness of Christ imputed to us, and received by faith alone.”
Justification is the theme of Paul’s letter to the Romans. Paul shows that no man can be saved except those who are justified. But make no mistake: justification is not merely a theoretical idea to assure Christians they will reach heaven.
Instead, as Paul shows us in our text, it produces three immediate benefits that shape our attitude and warm our hearts as we journey to our final destination.
1. Peace with God
The first benefit is peace with God (v. 1). We are, by nature, children of God’s wrath because sin makes us hateful to God. Therefore, one who is not in Christ ought to worry that God may be angry with him when things do not go well in his life. If he suffers a failure, an illness, or a breakup, it is proper for him to ask: “Is God angry with me?”
But one who is in Christ, who is justified by faith in Him, can enjoy perfect peace. Are you justified by faith in Christ? Be assured that God is not punishing you because He has already punished His son for your sin. Be sure that whatever is happening is not only permitted by your heavenly Father, but apportioned by Christ your Saviour for your eternal good.
2. Hope of Glory
The second benefit is hope of glory (v. 2). The Christian hope is not a mere wish. It is the certainty of things not yet revealed. The Christian glory is not merely external splendour. It refers to triumph, dignity and honour together with freedom from sin, pain and tears, as well as the privilege of sharing in the majesty of Christ as the King of kings and Lord of lords.
One justified by faith in Christ can rejoice in the hope of this glory. Things may look dark and bleak now. Life may be painful and dreary at times. But one who is justified is confident that his tears are only for a moment. “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning” (Ps 30:5). And moreover, “The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Rom 8:18). “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” (2 Cor 4:17).
Do you genuinely believe in Jesus? Your troubles are temporary. “Lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh” (Lk 21:28). When morning breaks upon you, your soul will be perfected, and your body will be freed of pain, sin and sorrows, and you shall enjoy glory with Christ world without end.
3. Glory in Tribulation
The third benefit of those who are justified in Christ is glory in tribulation (v. 3). Now, the word ‘glory’ here is not the same as the ‘glory’ in verse 2. Here, it is a verb that speaks of boasting or rejoicing in something.
Yes, Paul is saying that justified people can boast or rejoice in tribulation. What’s tribulation? Most of us associate the word with intense suffering, trouble or adversity. But the word in the original, thlipsis (θλίψις), literally means ‘pressure.’
We all experience all sorts of pressure in life. It may be due to our Christian witness, to our job and study, to expectations placed upon us, to our relationship struggles, to health issues, or persecution.
Whatever it may be, one who is justified in Christ does not need to be flustered or discouraged by them. Instead, he can have a very positive attitude towards them. This is especially true since he knows these tribulations or pressures are in the hands of the Lord to make him a better person. The Lord is shaping him and cultivating patience, experience and hope with these carefully applied pressures.
Do you genuinely believe in the Lord Jesus? If you do, you can have peace with God and hope of glory, and you may rejoice in tribulations or pressures that the Lord has appointed you.
Pressures in the hand of God are good for you. They shape you into the kind of person the Lord wants you to be. They mould you in Christ-likeness—in patience, experience, hope and love.
Conclusion
Thank God for the loving pressures you are experiencing. Thanks God for the hope of glory. Thank God for peace with God. Thank God for justification by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. Amen.
—JJ Lim