[1] Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. [2] Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. [3] Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, [4] and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, [5] and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
Romans 5:1-5 ESV
What a great paragraph! Paul was rhapsodizing about the amazing grace of God. Jesus Christ visited Earth, died on the cross, and ascended into Heaven to assure us that we are not guilty before God. All we need do is believe. We are at peace, and we can rejoice in the confidence that we will be with Him in glory. Not only that, but we can rejoice in the midst of trouble because we have confidence that the same God who saved us will shepherd us through today’s challenges, and in the process make us better people. Such a deal!
Notice, the reason we can do all this flows from having the love of God poured out in our hearts. We know that we know that God loves us and will act on our behalf. It’s not just a doctrine; it’s a heart reality. God’s love motivated the plan. Jesus’ sacrifice paid the price, and His resurrection provided the power. The wonderful Holy Spirit took that historical fact and made it a reality in my heart. I can rejoice because I know! That’s how every promise and provision of God is brought forth from the eternal heart of a loving God and made tangible in our lives. God’s love inspires it, Jesus’ sacrifice pays the price, and the Holy Spirit makes it real in my heart.
Whatever you need from God today, gather with the church knowing that the God who is love has already provided your answer before the foundations of the world. God the Son has paid the price: it’s done. The Holy Spirit will reveal the answer, instruct you concerning the answer, and bring the answer alive in your heart. Count on it!
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