Romans 5:1
a. Having been justiifed by faith, therefore, . . .
1. Take the promised blessings of the present.
Near Context: “Raised for our justification
Far Context: Structure of the book: “It is the power of God unto Salvation”
b. . . . we have peace . . . .
2. . . . to gain full and true peace . . .
-The “peace of creation” (Ps. 4:8; Isaiah 26:3) and the “peace of salvation” (John 16:33; 2 Thess. 3:16; Col 3:15))
False Gospels peddle false peace.
c. . … with God . . .
3. . . . which is full and final in our relationship with God. . . .
“Your biggest problem is God Himself,
and your only hope is God Himself.” -D. A. Carson
-Peace as an objective state of relationship
-Peace as a subjective state of growth
Growing peace within you depends on knowing Peace outside you.
d. . . . through our Lord Jesus Christ.
4. Looking to and trusting the Mediator.
Jesus is the “means”—human.
Jesus is “source”—divine.
Jesus is ours.