Romans 5:1-11 Benefits of Justification

“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ…” Rom 5:1

Here are some of the words of an old hymn I grew up singing:
Count your blessings Name them one by one.
Count your blessings See what God hath done.

Let’s count the blessings in the first half of Romans 5 as Paul writes about the benefits of being justified through faith.

1. Previously, the wrath of God was being stored up for us (Rom. 2:5), now we have peace with God. V.1,9-10
2. Previously, we were prepared to stand before a judge who would condemn us, now we stand in His unmerited favor (i.e. grace). V.2
3. Previously, we fell short of the glory of God…we would never see it (Rom 3:23), now we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. V.2
4. Previously, we concluded our sufferings were the result of an angry God (Rom 2:9), now we rejoice in our sufferings because we know they are for our good to build godly character in us. V.3-5
5. Previously, nothing good was in us, now God has given us the Holy Spirit. V.5
6. Previously, there was nothing to be happy about, now we rejoice in standing in God’s grace, we rejoice in our sufferings, we rejoice in God Himself who was at one time very angry with us. V.2, 3, 11
7. Previously, not only was God’s wrath being stored up for us (Rom 2:9) but we were opposed to Him (enemies), now we have been reconciled to Him. V.10-11

Why did God justify us and give us these blessings? What motivated him to do that when we were “powerless”, “ungodly”, “sinners”, and “enemies”? The answer is in the following verses:

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” V.8
“…God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” V.5

Yes, love was the driving force! You’re not just a number. You are someone worth dying for. You are on the mind of God in a favorable way. Come on now…lets rejoice!