Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (2) through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.  (3) And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance, (4) and perseverance, character; and character, hope.  (5) Now, hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

The letter to the Romans was written by the Apostle Paul.  In earlier chapters of this wonderful letter, Paul has covered the justification of believers through Christ and his saving work.  The beginning word of Chapter 5, Therefore, tells us that the foundation for today’s verses has already been established.  Paul is assuming the reality of justification by faith for himself and his readers.   He is now telling the reader of the blessings/benefits of justification conveyed to the child of God.  Paul’s approach is to show that unsaved, we have been an enemy of God.  Now Paul shows us what we have through Christ.

Paul explains that the believer’s justification is a guarantee of heaven.  It is a source of tremendous blessings in our present life.  And, stunningly, our justification is a lasting thing.   The believer has been found not guilty.  It was something that happened and was completed the moment we believed.  God declared us righteous, never to change His mind.  True faith is a firm conviction and a surrender to that truth.  The believer’s conduct proceeds from that surrender and leads to a genuine changed life.   The true believer will find peace with God – not a state of mind but a relationship outside of ourselves, coming from the finished work of Christ on Calvary.  This life is still a battle but no longer a battle against God.

Paul tells us that the believers standing as children of God is an eternally settled matter.  We get this standing by grace when we believe in Christ and his works and person – by God’s free grace we are justified.  Paul tells us that not only are we to rejoice in this triumph, we are to rejoice in tribulations.   when we are justified we have the innermost presence of the Holy Spirit – and therefore that of Jesus – and that we are not alone.  We are given hope that does not disappoint.  I should repeat that  – the hope that never disappoints.

There are two threats to the assurance of our salvation.  First, that our faith might be fake – the fire of tribulation is a gift from God to prove us (test us) and show that we are real.  Second, the object of our faith might be fake – God’s remedy for this threat is His love in our hearts.  What matters here only is God’s love for us, not our love for God.   Hope is the desire for future good with the confident expectation of getting that future good.  Hope as used here by the Apostle Paul means certainty – it is sure, steadfast.

The truth of Romans, Chapter 5, is that God gives assurance to the Christian believer through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.  I find today’s verses breathtaking – that if we are born again and have faith in the person and works of Jesus Christ, we are guaranteed heaven.  I just sit back in wonder at this doctrine that Paul writes of in the magnificent letter to the Romans.