Romans 5:1-5: 1 Therefore, 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. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

Commentary:

The Letter to the Romans is Paul’s complete summary of Christianity written for the Gentiles. Romans contains all of the central doctrines of the Christian faith. Most importantly, Paul defines Salvation.

Justification – God’s unconditional love for us through Jesus Christ’s death on the cross; our faith and belief in Christ – the gift.

Sanctification – The reciprocation of our love toward Jesus; how we are living our life – the work.

Glorification – The ultimate reward we’ll receive when Jesus returns; becoming like Christ – the prize.

Faith is our understanding that our sinful nature separates us from God. God’s gift was to remove our sins through Christ’s work on the Cross. We must, however, accept the gift. The work is our faith walk, to turn from sin and to seek a life modeled after Christ. The prize is eternal life. The first day of eternity begins the day we have faith in Christ.