Sermon--Eight Benefits Of Justification By Faith
Posted by: jnthrower <jnthrower@...>
EIGHT BENEFITS OF JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH
ROMANS 5:1-11
Introduction
We have seen in previous weeks that the only way that a sinner can be justified is by faith–not by works or by keeping the law.
We have seen the examples of this justification by faith in Abraham's life and David's life.
Now the Apostle Paul delves into the benefits that are ours as a result of having been justified
(declared righteous) by faith.
I. PEACE WITH GOD. (VS 1)
A. This does not mean a state of tranquility and contentment, but rather the state of being reconciled with God. The peace is between the reconciled sinner and God.
II Corinthians 5:18-20
B. Our former state was an enemy of God. (vs 10)
Romans 8:7
Colossians 1:19-21
C. Our present state is peace with God.
Christ's redemptive work provided an atonement, a covering for the sin of the one declared righteous by faith.
Therefore, the hostility and animosity between God and believers are gone.
Instead there is blessed peace.
II. ACCESS TO GOD. (VS 2)
The wonder of being declared righteous consists in this open access to the presence of God.
One who came to see a king needed both access–the right to come, and an introduction–the proper presentation.
The believer can now approach God because of his new standing.
In the Bible there is a distinction made between our standing and our state.
A. Our Standing.
Our standing refers to our position in heaven and never changes.
1 Corinthians 15:1–"Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;"
B. Our State.
Our state refers to our condition on earth and may change (for better or worse) daily.
Philippians 2:19–"But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state."
Colossians 4:7–"All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:"
C. Our New Standing Now Gives Us That Blessed Privilege Not Experienced By Either Jew Or Gentile In The Old Testament.
1. A Gentile Was Barred At The Gates Of The Temple.
2. A Jewish Woman Was Stopped At The Woman's Court.
3. A Non-Levite Hebrew Could Not Enter The Inner Court.
4. The High Priest Could Only Enter Into The Holy of Holies Once A Year.
5. But On Calvary This Veil Separating The Holy Of Holies From Sinful Man Was Rent In Two By The Death Of Christ.
a. Matthew 27:50-51
b. Ephesians 2:11-19
c. Hebrews 10:19-22
What a privilege we have been given!
III. HOPE OF THE GLORY OF GOD. (VS 2)
Hope plays a vital part in the lives of believers, for it has to do with all that God has promised to do for us in Christ.
The thought here is that the saved sinner has something of which he can rightly boast.
This hope is not rooted in some misplaced self-esteem or empty pride.
This hope is objective and definitely refers to the only hope of the Christian.
Titus 2:13–"Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ"
Acts 1:11–". . .Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven."
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Justification alone makes the blessed hope of the believer a reality and a glorious anticipation. It alone guarantees the delights of heaven.
IV. THE ABILITY TO TRIUMPH IN TROUBLE. (VS 3)
Can justification stand up under the withering blast of troubles? Yes it can!
There is a triumphant joy and joyful triumph in troubles.
This is one of the paradoxes of the faith.
1 Thessalonians 1:6–"And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:"
1 Peter 1:7-8--"That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:"
The result of this experience for the Christian is a manifestation in his life of:
Patience–This is speaking of endurance.
Patience Brings Forth Experience–This is speaking of proven character.
Experience Brings Forth Hope.
The final result is a hope that does not disappoint.
Romans 8:24-25
Troubles Should Not Weaken The Believer, But Rather Strengthen Him.
As we suffer, we develop steadfastness or endurance.
That endurance and steadfastness deepens our character.
A deepened, tested character results in hope which is a confidence that God will see us through as believers.
V. THE LOVE OF GOD IS MADE REAL TO US BY THE HOLY GHOST. (VS 5)
Hope will never disappoint us or let us down or cause us shame, because in the very time of ridicule the love of God is made real to us by the Holy Spirit.
This gives inward stability and bliss. (See verses 6-8)
VI. THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. (VS 5)
He alone can actualize the love of God for us in Christ.
The indwelling work of the Holy Spirit in the believer is His peculiar work in this age of Grace.
John 14:17–"Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you"
He seals us.
He fills us.
He empowers us.
VII. DELIVERANCE FROM WRATH. (VS 9)
From all judgment.
John 3:18–"He that believeth on Him is not condemned."
1 Thessalonians 1:10–"Even Jesus, Which delivered us from the wrath to come.
1 Thessalonians 5:9-11
VIII. JOY IN GOD. (VS 11)
"Joy" here means "to boast" or "to vaunt."
Comes through the Lord Jesus Christ by whom we have now received the atonement.
Comes from seeing the other 7 benefits.
Peace With God.
Access To God.
Hope For Christ's Return.
Triumph In Trouble.
The Love Of God.
The Holy Spirit.
Deliverance From Wrath.
Conclusion
Are you a partaker of the benefits? Have you been justified by faith?
Are you appropriating all of the benefits available to you in Christ?
(i.e. Access, Hope, Triumph, Joy)