Romans 5

In chapter 4 Paul emphasizes that justification comes through faith. In chapter 5 we see that being justified by faith we have peace with God. This cannot be overstated. It is sin which separates us from God; he cannot be at peace with a sinner who is still under the guilt of sin. It is justification which takes away this guilt and makes way for peace.

This of course comes through our Lord Jesus Christ. But notice what the text says about the timing of his death on our behalf: "God shows is love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (vs 8, emphasis mine). Not only did God justify us by faith through the death of his Son, he did it while we were still enemies with him. Let this dispel any notion that a sinner must have his act cleaned up before he can receive justification. Jesus came to save those who are sick, not those who have no need of a physician.

The rest of the chapter (vv 12-21) exists to proclaim the life that is found in Christ. For sin came into the world through Adam, and death through sin, and death spread to all men. But those who "receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ" (vs 17).

Have you ever considered that phrase, "reign in life?" What does that mean? In 2 Corinthians 5 it says "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." It goes on to say that because of this we are "ambassadors for Christ." I think reigning in life means walking as ambassadors for Christ by sharing—and sometimes shouting—the news that we have been set free from sin and death, and by offering this free gift to others as often as we can. Will you make it a point to do that this week?