A point-based study of the book of Romans 5.
In one sentence, the book of Romans 5 tells us that the grace, which we receive through faith in Jesus, is more powerful than sin.
We now have peace with God-
Paul says that due to the work completed by Christ, we now have peace with God. Being at peace means that there is no more conflict due to sin.
Our position in God strengthens us to thrive in our spiritual walk–
In verse 3, Paul says that we rejoice even when we face troubles. Whatever trials we face help us grow in character. It is as if Paul tells us that the presence of trouble in our lives is not a sign that God causes it.
Trials of faith are necessary to bring out the Christ-like character, but the Holy Spirit leads the process-
Verses 3 through 5 should be read as one message. Here, Paul says that we rejoice in our suffering because it produces endurance, which leads to character. The word “character” here means proof of our faith. In verse 5, Paul says that these things happen because God has given us the Holy Spirit.
God proved His love for humanity by allowing Christ to die for us–
In verses 6 through 8, Paul reminds us that God loved us when we were helpless and sinful. God’s love was not offered when we did good or showed any sign of holiness.
Sin produces death, but grace guarantees life–
Paul says that all those who came after Adam died, even though they did not commit the specific sin that Adam did. Through Adam, the entire humanity came into contact with sin. It is like Adam opened “a can of worms” that contaminated all humans. Christ’s work involves paying that penalty, which is why grace is more powerful than sin.
Grace is the only force that successfully counters the condemnation and helplessness arising from the law–
Toward the end, Paul says that the law was given to reveal the sinfulness of man (v.20, TPT). The CEV Bible says the law came “so that the full power of sin could be seen.” It is like God wanted humans to realize the messy and hopeless situation they had put themselves in so they could appreciate grace. Paul says that where sin increased, grace abounded.
Important questions arising from Romans 5
How did we inherit sin or sinful nature from Adam?
Adam’s disobedience made it possible for everyone after him to know and feel attracted to sin. We did not inherit a particular sin from Adam; we inherited the ability and susceptibility to sin. Paul says that even those who did not sin like Adam still died because sin still existed.
Why should God punish me because of Adam’s sin?
I am not responsible for Adam’s sin and won’t suffer for it; I am guilty of the sins that I commit as a result of the sinful nature I inherited from Adam. We’re not punished or destined to hell because of Adam’s sin, but because through his sin, he gave us the same “skill” for sin. So, Adam is guilty of his sin, while we’re guilty of the sins we commit due to the “expertise” we obtained from Adam. However, it is this nature that Christ died to end.
