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9. Access to Grace. Romans:. Romans 5:1-11 p. 1040 – 1041. The Main Point. Choosing titles is challenging T itle: “Access to Grace” (v 2) “Justified by Faith” (v 1); “Peace with God” (v 1) “Hope of Glory” (v 2); “Love Poured out” (v 5) All are part of the point Paul is making!
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9. Access to Grace Romans: Romans 5:1-11 p. 1040 – 1041
The Main Point ... • Choosing titles is challenging • Title: “Access to Grace” (v 2) • “Justified by Faith” (v 1); “Peace with God” (v 1) • “Hope of Glory” (v 2); “Love Poured out” (v 5) • All are part of the point Paul is making! • Where we have come from: • Paul’s identity and purpose • Not ashamed of the Gospel because it brings salvation • God “righteoused” sinners through Jesus • By FAITH (e.g. The life of Abraham)
1. Benefits of Love • We have been “righteoused” through faith (v 1) • Justice was done! • God credited faith as righteousness – Debited sins to Jesus • We have peace with God (v 1) • Hebrew concept of Shalom • Everything as it should be
1. Benefits of Love ... • Gained access by faith into Grace (v 2) • Right of entry and assurance of welcome !!! • Boast in the Hope of the Glory of God (v 2) • Sin: People refused to give God Glory (1:21) • We fall short [lack] glory (3:23) • Hope – assurance of what is to come. • Not exaggeration, right acknowledgement of reality • Has an element of security.
1. Benefits of Love ... • We glory [boast] even in our sufferings (v 3) • We are “righteoused” through his blood (v 9) • We are saved from “the wrath” (v 9) • God’s wrath is being revealed against sin (1:18) • God’s wrath is redirected to Christ (3:25) • We have been reconciled to Him (v 9, 11) • THROUGH the Death of his Son (v 10)
2. Demonstration of Love • First time “love” [agape] is used in Romans !! • God’s love is poured out (v 5) • God demonstrates his love (v 8) • Two couplets (v 6, 8) • When we still powerless ... Christ died for the ungodly • While we were still sinners ... Christ died for us • Deserving of “God’s wrath” (v 9) • “God’s enemies” (v 10) • God’s love is greater than any human love • Imagine what God will do for his friends !!
3. Experience of Love • What about the present? • Trials and suffering are a reality • They are beneficial – prove our character, bring hope • BECAUSE God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit (v 5) • Must not sell ourselves short on our birthright • Crystal Cathedral and gospel of self-esteem • We should draw near to God! (Heb 10:22)
Living in Love Seek to experience the love of God in the Spirit