After opening the letter by exposing our sinfulness, Paul now shifts to show us the benefits of living a life made right with God. What Paul says is true: “Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege.” Take a moment for that to sink in. Imagine yourself ushered before God, hand in hand with Jesus. You hear Jesus saying on your behalf, “This one is yours, Father.” It wasn’t anything we did; Jesus brought us before the throne of God. In our brokenness, we may feel undeserving of God’s mercy and love, but we can still find hope.
This whole chapter overflows with verses that should give us believers that hope. Verses 3-4 say: “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.” Paul experienced trials and problems, but did he ever lose hope? On the contrary, it seems he trusted God even more. Continue reading “Romans 5:1-21 – Don’t Lose Hope”
