Sermon 7: Romans 5:1-5

  Chapter five contains a partial enumeration of the blessings, which are fruits of such a faith as that portrayed in chapter four.  It shows the Christian development of the life of anyone who has the faith of Abraham.  Two words form the keynote of the chapter--much more.  If you have the glory, the patience, or the Christian experience spoken of in this, or any other chapter, know that God has them in store and is willing to give much more, for He "is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think."

  "Therefore being justified by faith," that is, being made conformable to the law by faith, "we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."  The only way that man can be made conformable to the law and live free from condemnation is by having faith in the promises of God.  In Christ there is no unrighteousness, therefore there is nothing but righteousness.  By believing on Christ, the Christian has the righteousness of Christ.

  But does not James say that there must be works or the faith is of no avail?  It is true that faith is made perfect by works.  James 2:22.  But it is by faith and faith alone that men are justified.  The very text which speaks of Abraham's being justified by faith, states that the works were only the outgrowth of underlying faith and that by this work the scripture was fulfilled which says:  "Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness."  Works are the outgrowth of faith.  "It is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure."  We give ourselves into the hands of Christ.  He comes and takes up His abode with us.  We are as clay in the hands of the potter, but it is Christ who does all the good works and to Him belongs all the glory.

  "We have peace with God."  What is peace?  It is not a feeling, but a fact.  Many think that they must experience a "certain feeling" which they will know is the "peace of God."  But they have never had the peace of God, and therefore cannot know what kind of feeling it ought to be.  Satan might give a certain happy feeling, and if the Christian had only the feeling to go by, he would be deceived.  The Lord does not deal in feelings but in facts.  Peace is the opposite of war, strife, and emulation.  We are either at peace with God or else at war.  If at war, it is because we are carrying on rebellion.