2. 9. Access to Grace Romans 5:1-11 p. 1040 – 1041 Romans:

3. 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!  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)

4. 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

5. 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.

6. 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)

7. 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 !!

8. 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)

9. Living in Love Seek to experience the love of God in the Spirit