Romans 5:1-5

 Scripture Verse

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.

 From Guilt to Grace and Hope

1. From Guilt to Grace

“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ…” (Romans 5:1–2)

Christ’s death has forgiven our sins, and through His resurrection we are saved and justified. The guilt that separated humanity from God has been removed—not by our works, but by faith in Christ alone. Because we have been justified through Christ and by faith, we now stand in grace and enjoy the following blessings:

 2. Blessings of Justification

1) Peace with God: The broken relationship that began in the Garden of Eden is now restored. We are no longer enemies of God but are reconciled to Him.

2) Access to Grace: Through Christ, we have continual access into the grace in which we now stand—secure, accepted, and upheld by God.

3) Hope of Glory: We rejoice in the hope of the glory of God—our future salvation and final redemption (1 Peter 1:5). This hope is certain and will not put us to shame.

3. Rejoicing in Suffering: How Is This Possible?

Paul goes further and says:

“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings…” (Romans 5:3)

Suffering includes persecution, sickness, broken relationships, unemployment, and many trials of life. Yet suffering in God’s hands produces transformation:

• Suffering → Perseverance
• Perseverance → Character
• Character → Hope

4. Suffering Produces Godly Character

Peter echoes this truth: “Since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude…” (1 Peter 4:1–2)

When believers suffer:

• We are shaped into Christ’s likeness
• We learn obedience
• We learn dependence on God

Paul himself testified: “That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed…” (2 Timothy 1:12)

Suffering for Christ is not a disgrace—it is a privilege. A powerful modern example is that of Graham Staines, the Australian missionary martyred with his two sons in 1999. His 13-year-old daughter Esther said:

“I praise the Lord that He found my father worthy to die for Him.”

Such faith reflects the depth of hope produced through suffering.

5. Hope That Does Not Disappoint

“And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit…” (Romans 5:5)

This hope is certain because:

1. The One who promised is faithful (Hebrews 10:23)
2. All God’s promises are “Yes” in Christ (2 Corinthians 1:20)
3. God’s promises are proven by fulfilled prophecy
4. The Holy Spirit is given as a deposit and guarantee
   (2 Corinthians 1:22; 5:5; Ephesians 1:14)

That is why:

• Peter calls it a Living Hope (1Peter 1:3)
• Paul calls it a Blessed Hope (Titus 2:13)

6. Conclusion: Grace, Suffering, and Glory

“After you have suffered a little while, [God] will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”
(1 Peter 5:10–11)

We move from guilt to grace, and from grace to hope—a hope that sustains us in suffering and leads us to eternal glory.

To Him be the power forever and ever. Amen.