An Introduction to Faith
Romans 5:1-3a
Turn to Romans 5. In some of Paul’s letters, he will often deal with doctrine in the first part of the letter, and then deal with the practical application at the end of the letter. If you are familiar with the book of Ephesians, this is the pattern. In Ephesians 1—3, Paul deals with doctrine, and then in Ephesians 4—6, he deals with the practical living out of that doctrine. And the book of Romans is also laid out that way to some extent. Some have suggested that Romans 1—11 mostly deals with doctrine, and Romans 12—16 deals mostly with practical living. But we do find in the middle of the doctrinal chapters of Romans, this section that we are going to deal with this morning. And I believe that you will enjoy it greatly as Paul pauses here for eleven verses—which we will only tackle the first three today—as they are a tremendous encouragement.
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we boast in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also boast in our afflictions, knowing that affliction brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not put to shame, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous man, though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only this, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.
Romans 5:1-11 (LSB)
Again, look with me at verse 1 …
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Romans 5:1 (LSB)
“Having been justified by faith.” These are five words that have been battered around for centuries. I find the truth when thinking about the great ministry of Paul and how gifted he was, and how committed he was to Christ, and yet it is Paul who continued to pound the truth of justification by faith. He even begins his letter as the apostle of Jesus Christ, who was called by Christ and set apart by Christ for the purpose of the gospel. But his apostleship (1:5) was received through grace. He says (1:7) that those who were believers were chosen to be saints, and then it builds up to this climax (1:16). The gospel is the power of God to those who believe, and the same message, salvation to those who believe, the same as justification by faith. But, he then says that God’s wrath is against mankind. Why? Because mankind suppressed the truth of that gospel, and even suppressed the truth of God’s creation, and therefore, he concludes that all men and women are without excuse. In Romans 2, Paul explains that those who had the Law disobeyed the Law, and those without the Law disobeyed their conscience. Result, no man is righteous before God, and he even said that no man seeks after God. And then he concludes (Rom 3:23) that all men and women fall short of the glory of God. He also explains that because our salvation is a gift that it cannot be boasted about, as this justification, this salvation comes through faith. Then he uses Abraham as an example, who was given a promise by God that Abraham believed.
“For this reason it is by faith, in order that it may be according to grace, so that the promise will be guaranteed to all the seed, not only to those who are of the Law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all.”
Romans 4:16 (LSB)
In other words, it is very important that Paul says you understand that all of this is the result of God’s grace and is not the result of your works. And therefore, Paul states, at the beginning of our passage, having been justified by faith. Ahen Paul will say that because our justification is by faith, we now have peace with God. And so I suppose we should ask at this point, “Why is it important that we have peace with God?” And not merely peace as the world might define peace, or thinking of peace in the same way we might think of calm and quiet. Maybe a great relationship with our family. But why peace with God? And not that we do not want to have peace at home, or peace as a country. I mean the writer of Hebrews wrote, pursue peace with all men. And Paul told the Thessalonian church to live in peace with each other. But specifically here, why peace with God?
What if the guy beside you at work asked you this week, “What is the great importance of having peace with God? What does that mean?” Well, we get a glimpse of this peace later in Paul’s letter (Rom 8:1), he says, there is no condemnation for those who are in Jesus Christ. So, peace with God means that God holds nothing against me, no condemnation from God. In other words, there is nothing about me that demands punishment from God. Think of that, there is nothing about me that demands punishment from God, for the punishment that I deserve has already been paid for by Christ. And to grasp that blessing fully, there are two things that we need to get right, or our theology gets ways out-of-wack.
- The complete sinfulness of mankind
We could spend some time here, but I trust that we have already been here. But to say what Paul has said, no one is righteous, no one seeks after God. And Isaiah wrote that all our righteousness is as filthy rags. Because if I miss this point, I miss the wonderful transformational work of the second point.
- The complete transformation through Christ
Because it is only as we emphasize point number one that we can emphasize point number two. Because if I downplay the complete sinfulness of mankind, then the complete transformation done through Christ is not so wonderful. Anne will sometimes do the Monarch butterfly thing for the grandkids, where she will find these ugly-looking caterpillars. And if you think they are ugly when they are so little, man, they are super ugly when they get bigger! But then they go into this chrysalis, and if Anne catches it at the right time when some of the grandkids are there, out comes this beautiful butterfly. And the amazing part about the beauty that comes out of the shell is that the ugliness that went into this shell. I must understand the complete sinfulness of mankind to fully understand the wonder of the transformation through Christ.
There is nothing about me that demands punishment from God because of Christ. And that is important because if God has something against me. I’m in big trouble. My goose is cooked. But He holds nothing against me. That is quite the benefit of salvation, isn’t it? I mean if someone heard that because of their sin, they would someday stand before God without Christ, and therefore they would spend their eternity in hell. Yet if they believed the gospel, God would hold nothing against them on that final judgement day. That is quite the blessing! And the term peace is used because God is really at war with those who do not believe. Jesus said:
“He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”
John 3:36 (LSB)
Understand that at the moment you believe, you have transitioned from being an enemy of God to being accepted by God. Now realize that most churches will not even want to address this issue, let alone anyone in the world. But Paul told the Ephesians not to let anyone deceive them, for the wrath of God is upon the sons of disobedience. So, this peace that is given at the moment of faith, forever ends the war between God and the new believer. For God has made peace with him, as the new Christian did not make peace with God, God made peace with him. Why? Because I had nothing against God that condemned God. Nothing that was just, that I could hold against God. But God had all justice against me, therefore God had every right to condemn me, but He made peace with me through Christ. Notice the transition at salvation, for look ahead to (vs 10), for while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God. So, why the great importance of having peace with God? Because someday you will stand before God, and you do not want to be His enemy.
Then notice what Paul says (vs 2), through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace. That phrase “introduction to faith” sounds a bit like a school course, doesn’t it? Maybe some of you have taken a course like Introduction to Philosophy. When I took courses through Moody, I had to take Introduction to Literature. Now, I will admit that outside of theological books, I am not much of a reader. I remember in the course Introduction to Literature; I had to read a few books of poetry. And I do not want to offend anyone, but some of the poetry was terrible. I had no idea what it was talking about! I was reading some of it aloud at home to Anne, and we were laughing because I didn’t know if I was complimenting her or being rude to her. But this is more fascinating to me than Introduction to Literature, an introduction to faith. In fact, Paul goes on to say here, an introduction to faith into this grace. Think of that, introduction to faith into this grace. Sounds like the grace that God provides is so deep and wide and broad, that its benefits and its understanding on our part have only been introduced to us.
And in many ways, it is true. For we have lived on this earth for 10, 20, 40, 60, 80 years, yet we are still just being introduced to this grace, as we can anticipate endless grace for eternity. “Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, And which have not entered the heart of man, All that God has prepared for those who love Him.” And really, from a proper context of that verse, this is not even referring to heaven but is referring to the wisdom that God will provide for His children. So that in such a wonderful way, we will know and enjoy an ever-increasing revelation of God. Reminds us of the prodigal son who really just wanted to come home and be a servant. But when he got home, it was only the beginning for him, as the grace of his Dad far exceeded his wildest dreams. May we never underestimate the joys that await the believer that go way beyond this first introduction of faith into this grace.
End (vs 2), and we boast in hope of the glory of God. Ahh, there is a good boast, as we have had some negative boasts that we have been warned about. But this is something we can boast about. And what is Paul boasting about? In the hope of the glory of God. Romans 3:23, for all have sinned fall short of the glory of God. A few weeks ago, we said that God is not restoring us to something merely better than we are now, but that He is restoring us to perfection. And part of our salvation is the restoration of that glory. First Corinthians 2:7, Paul spoke about a glory that we were destined for, before time began. And in 2 Thess 2:12 he says:
“[S]o that you would walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.”
1 Thessalonians 2:12 (LSB)
As we have been created for the glory of God. And that glory will be fully known when our earthly bodies are changed into spiritual bodies, incorruptible bodies, bodies (1 Cor 15) that are sown in dishonour, but will be raised in glory, bodies that are sown in weakness, but will be raised in power. But look what else Paul will boast in (vs 3), but we also boast in afflictions. And we will learn next week what the benefits of these afflictions are, but I believe we should consider first what these afflictions are. Is Paul talking about waking up with a heartache? Is he talking about having to replace the brakes on your car? Or is he talking to those who have lost their lives for the sake of the gospel? Or maybe it is the Christian black slave in the 1800s in the U. S., who watched his children being sold to other plantations, never to see them again. What are these afflictions Paul is talking about? Well, it might be good to see what afflictions Paul experienced as he wrote:
“Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions and hardships, for the sake of Christ, for when I am weak, then I am strong.”
2 Corinthians 12:10 (LSB)
Notice the things that Paul includes as afflictions: his own weaknesses as a human being, insults he receives, distresses, persecutions, and hardships. Why? For the sake of Christ. But what about the afflictions of having to repair the car, or even worse the afflictions of a serious illness, or any of the issues, or problems, or inconveniences that all humans face. Well, on one hand, I know we can conclude that Paul would be referring to afflictions that are directly for the sake of Christ. Those things that are directly opposed to us because of our stand for Christ. The afflictions we face because we hold to God’s Word. The job we did not get was because we are a Christian. And obviously those who have lost their lives being persecuted for Christ. But even in smaller ways, the criticism we may receive for what we believe or be laughed at because of our faith. To stand up in a secular classroom and hold to your spiritual convictions. It would seem that all those would be included.
But what about other things that the world might face as well? The financial struggles, the job loss, the marriage hurt, and the really bad report from the doctor. I do not know if I would place them in the same category as those things that might be considered for the sake of Christ, but we who hold to a sovereign God who oversees everything in our lives, and therefore, it would be considered a direct cause from God, or at least something that God has chosen for us to go through. For we certainly know that God could shield everything from us if He chose to. So, whatever we face, it must have the Lord’s permission, good or bad from a human standpoint. Certainly, God uses things such as sickness to draw a person to Himself. And certainly, God uses the spiritual response of such things—good or bad—for His glory.
I mean, we all know of those who have suffered greatly and yet through the suffering have brought great glory to God. But whatever these afflictions may entail, we might believe they are not an attractive part of Christianity. Yet it would seem that being a believer will bring greater challenges than being an unbeliever in some ways. And it would also seem that the greater someone strives as a believer, the challenges increase, not decrease. And we might wonder about that, as many have grown up with much teaching of the Lord’s blessing, and even with the false teaching of the health and wealth gospel, as we went through years of exposure to many successful people—supposedly believers—who were living the life. So, our modern-day Christianity has really given us some mixed messages about things such as health and wealth versus afflictions and struggles, so much so that some would even teach that hardship is a cause of unbelief.
Our boys had a friend in public school whose Mom was very sick, and those around her said that she needed to have more faith to get well, which apparently, she didn’t, because she died. Ministries that promoted such things, and some still do, that name it and claim it philosophy or those who would preach your best life now. And then we read these words by Paul, that we are to boast in our afflictions. And we might ask, Lord, how does all fit in when other ministries and churches are reading from the same book as we are, and they are often singing the same hymns, and they claim to serve the same Lord?
So, let’s stop here for a moment and consider what Paul had just said to better understand it. One, our justification by God has come through faith; salvation is for those who believe. Two, because of our justification—which is being declared righteous by God—we therefore have peace with God, we are fully reconciled to God, So that this introduction to faith—introduction meaning that this is only the beginning—is the starting point of this wonderful grace that God will pour out on the Christian forever, as now the believer will experience God’s grace more than ever before. And I say more than ever before because even the unbeliever enjoys the grace of God though he may not realize it. For it is God who has given life, sunshine, rain, food, companionship, abilities, beauty, all at the hand of God, though he is not even aware. But the grace given to the Christian goes way beyond that, a divine purpose, spiritual blessings, and eternal life. So, this introduction into faith opens up a massive transformational change that the Lord will do in the life of the Christian. As God—in His sovereign purposes—takes this ungodly sinner and transforms him into the image of His Son. But this is not a magic act, as this is not God waving a wand and saying, tata!
I related part of this story to you a while back, that when I was 18, my friend Mike Stevens and I played hockey for St. Clair College in Chatham. And we had a really good team and eventually won the championship that year. But during the summer just prior to that season, Mike said he would like to try out for the Junior C team in Tilbury and was wondering if I wanted to come out and try out with him. Well, there were a few reasons why I didn’t want to play Junior C. One was that they played all over the place, and I didn’t really want to travel. And two, they played almost every Sunday, whereas the college team only had a few Sunday games, which the coach told me already that he would let me miss. Well, we went and tried out anyway for the Junior C team and after three practices, they started signing guys, and Mike and I were the first two guys asked to sign. And I immediately said “no,” but said I just wanted to see if I could make the team, and Mike said, well, if you are not playing, I’m not either, to which the coach was irritated with both of us for completely wasting his time. But what I remember the most about those tryouts was the gruelling practices. I mean, we came off that ice completely exhausted. Why? Because to be any good as a team, we had to be willing to give it everything we had. And to become even better as players, this was the start, this was only the beginning of a lot of work and effort. The Apostle Paul wrote this to the Corinthians:
“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory.”
2 Corinthians 3:18a (LSB)
In other words, this justification and peace with God and introduction into this faith has even in these earthly vessels, these bodies, in some ways, already started. The process that will be perfected when we receive transformed bodies has already begun. Therefore, unlike a team that you are trying out for, as Paul has already said, that we are the called of Jesus Christ (1:7), in other words, we did not try out, but were actually called by the coach, we have already been assigned to the team. Titus 3:5, “He saved us, not by works which we did in righteousness, but according to His mercy.” Yes, making the team was done in a different way, but once Christ called us to be His disciples, the work, the effort to perform well, that whole process began, which eventually culminates in godly perfection. So, a good question that we need to consider is, why would we ever think that it would be easy? I mean, if becoming a better hockey player is a pile of work over a playing career, why would we think that becoming like Christ would require any less effort over a lifetime?
The Apostle Paul said that he beat his body so that he would be qualified to preach. That he would forget about what was behind, so that he was able to strive for that which was ahead. That he would fight the fight, so that he would finish the race. He told Timothy that he competes like an athlete, and therefore, he said he had to be careful not to get himself entangled in the affairs of everyday life. And this drive as a believer is based upon an ultimate hope, the glory of God. Boys, if we work really hard, if we cut out the doughnuts and iced tea and Pop-Tarts, we can skate around the ice with that Stanley Cup. Paul tells these Roman Christians, you guys have been set apart for the gospel. That they had received grace for the obedience of faith, and that everyone who believes has been assigned to the team. Paul and Barnabas taught:
“And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.”
Acts 13:48 (LSB)
And the hope we have is that someday, you and I, will experience in Christ a final victory. I remember watching a documentary a few years ago, and it was about the U. S. troops coming home from Vietnam in the seventies. Many of them were husbands, and some of them had been away for up to six years. What was it that enabled many of these men and husbands to face war, pain, injury, sweat, exhaustion, and some to face even death? And what was it that enabled their wives at home to face sadness, loneliness, raising children on their own, and long days for six years? It was the hope, wasn’t it, of someday seeing each other. And it showed real footage of the men getting off those planes and seeing their wives and running to them, as they embraced each other and kissed each other.
And to think that this justification brings us this hope in Christ, that one day we will see Him face to face. And the passage says here that we will boast in this. Some of your Bibles will say that we rejoice or exult in this. And do not miss the progression here in Paul’s thought. Much of our study in Romans has centred around words such as ungodly, sinners, enemies, and wrath, but now has transitioned to words like saved, justified, peace, and grace. But with this transformation comes affliction. This is the Greek word thlipsis. It means a pressing together, pressure, a burden, and this is a whole process from being a baby Christian to ultimate perfection. I once heard the analogy of a baby being born, and of course, everyone applauds, just as we would if someone came to Christ and received Christ as Saviour and Lord, the Christian family applauds, and the angels even applaud. But what do you do with that baby? Well, you stand him up in the corner and you duct tape him to the wall, and he begins to cry. And we say to the baby, why are you crying, for someday you will be an adult and life will be great. No, being born is just the beginning of the process, and the same with our spiritual growth; it is a process.
As there is a spiritual birth at some point, where God quickens a dead sinner and gives him spiritual life. And his blind eyes are opened so that he is able to believe. And he grows in his faith and learns from God’s Word, and he gets involved with other Christian brothers and sisters. He goes from being shy spiritually to having a greater boldness for Christ. He learns to be part of ministry and then maybe he ends up leading in ministry. And he learns to face the world as a Christian, until some day God calls him home. And all this—the whole process—is described by Paul as “afflictions,” for the believer’s good and for God’s glory.
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we boast in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also boast in our afflictions.”
Romans 5:1-3a (LSB)
Knowing that affliction brings about, and that is the start of next Sunday. Who else but the believer in Christ has this kind of purpose in life and privilege in life? Who else but the child of God has a Heavenly Father who loves him and who prods His children along toward perfection? A Father who understands all that we go through, our introduction to faith. Let me close with a prayer I saw that I have slightly reworded to centre on today’s message. Let’s pray. Lord, this is the cry of our hearts this morning. To be changed from one degree of glory to another until at the last trumpet, we will be transformed into the image of Your Son. Until then, we long to grow in grace and in the knowledge of You. Especially the knowledge of Your glory. May this be our greatest desire. For we believe with our hearts that You are God alone, that for us as Christians, awaits the very best. But have mercy on us, that while we are striving for You, Lord, we can still struggle with sin. So, keep us from sin and from trivial things, and open our eyes to the things of eternal value. Enlighten our minds that we might meditate on spiritual riches. For we ask these things in the name of Christ. And all God’s people said, amen.