◄ What Does Romans 5:4 Mean? ►

Because we are already justified, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. And because we have peace with the Father we have gained access, by that faith, into the grace into which we have been established. What a privileged people we are! This enables us to grow in grace, mature in our Christian life, and rejoice in the established hope we have in Jesus.

Not only do the glories of our justification result in peace with God, a firm standing in God's grace, and a rejoicing hope in Him, but we can allow His peace to reign in our hearts so that we can even exult in our tribulations, knowing the trials of life and the difficulties we endure bring about perseverance which develops strength of character and a solid hope in the Lord.

We have been given all we need for life and godliness, not only in the calm waters of life, but when the tempestuous storm is raging in our face and the mighty waves of doubt and fear are battering at the door. 

Man's natural desire in life is to live in ease and to avoid life's problems and pain, but Scripture reminds us that only those who face the distresses of life through His sufficient grace, develop the patient endurance and proven character that is so acceptable to the Lord, which in turn results in a mature faith and a hope that is firmly established in Him.

Throughout the Church age, there have been many Christian men and women who have lived in this way; believers who have rejoiced in their afflictions for the sake of Christ; martyrs who have lived and died as examples for us. The faith in which they stood, enabled them to glory in their tribulation and exult in their afflictions.

As we consider this truth and apply it in our lives, we know that the pressure, affliction, and hardship we may be called upon to face, will produce in us a patient and unswerving endurance, a proven character, and a hope that is rooted and grounded in our Saviour, Jesus Christ. 

How we praise and glorify our Heavenly Father for the blessed hope we have in Christ which will never disappoint us, because God's over-abounding love has been poured in our hearts through the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit Who took up residence in our heart the moment we trusted in Christ.

Heavenly Father, thank You that I have access by faith into Your amazing grace, and have been enabled to stand firm in the evil day. I praise You that my hope is based on nothing less than the Person and Work of Jesus Christ, Who cannot and will not disappoint. Thank You that Your gracious love has been poured into my heart in great measure through the indwelling Holy Spirit, as a guarantee of Your precious promises. In Jesus' name, AMEN.