Romans 5:6 For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. NKJV
Romans 5:6 For Christ, while we were still helpless, yet died at the appointed time for the ungodly. New American Bible-Vatican
Jesus gives us His heart of compassion, mercy and ultimately His grace. It is the beginning of our walk with our triune God. May we offer all of His creation the peace only He can give. Carla
Romans 5:1-5 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. NKJV
Romans 5:1-5 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
2 through whom we have gained access (by faith) to this grace in which we stand, and we boast in hope of the glory of God.
3 Not only that, but we even boast of our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance,
4 and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope,
5 and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the holy Spirit that has been given to us. New American Bible—Vatican
Peace here is not a subjective feeling of peace. Rather, this peace is the state of being at peace instead of at war. The hostility between God and the believer has ceased. The believer has been reconciled to God. To have access means “to approach,” as if by introduction into a king’s throne room. Believers have been granted admission to stand before God. Even though they were once rebels, they do not have to face His judgment. Instead they approach His throne in the realm of grace, or in the King’s favor.
Rejoice means “to boast” and hope means “expectation.” Believers boast in the sure expectation of the glory of God. They are confident, for God Himself has placed the Holy Spirit in their hearts.
Glory is the same Greek word that is translated “rejoice” in verse 2. Believers can rejoice, glory, and boast not only in their future hope but also in their present troubles. Tribulations refers to physical hardship, suffering, and distress. Perseverance means “endurance.” Trials and tribulation produce endurance when we exercise faith during those difficult times (James 1:2, 3). Such faith produces its own reward (Matthew 5:10–12; 2 Timothy 2:12).
Perseverance produces character, the quality of being approved. As believers endure tribulation, God works in them to develop certain qualities and virtues that will strengthen them and draw them closer to Him. The result is fortified hope in God and His promises.
The hope that believers have of their future glory with God will not disappoint them by being unfulfilled. They will not be put to shame or humiliated because of their hope.
The reason the believer can be so confident is that the love of God has been poured out. The moment a person trusts in Christ, that person receives the Holy Spirit (8:9), who constantly encourages them in their hope in God. The NKJV Study Bible
Paul has argued extensively that salvation comes only through faith. He assumes that conclusion here, using it as the starting point to expound on the implications of being declared righteous by God.
Paul uses this word peace similarly to how it is used throughout the Old Testament: to describe well-being, prosperity, safety from harm, and deliverance from enemies. This peace is more than just the absence of conflict; it is the result of having been declared righteous by faith (Ephesians 2:14–17; Colossians 1:20).
This grace in which we stand Indicates not only a past event, but also a present reality made possible by the work of Christ on the cross.
We boast refers to expressing trust in God to do what He promised. Paul uses a similar phrase to describe Abraham’s response of faith to God’s promise (Romans 4:20). Those who have faith like Abraham will not boast about their works (i.e., “good works” or “works of the law”); rather, they will boast in God’s power to provide despite human limitation and sinfulness. This stands in contrast to the idolaters (1:20–23).
Through the presence of the Holy Spirit, every believer experiences God’s love and therefore can have hope despite sufferings. Faithlife Study Bible
Romans 5:10–11 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.
1 Corinthians 15:1 Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand,
Matthew 5:11–12 “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Ephesians 2:18 For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.
Hebrews 3:6 but Christ as a Son over His own house, whose house we are if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end
In a world where exclusion is real, I choose the Gospel: “You belong. Your humanity is not up for negotiation. Your presence does not require anyone’s permission.”
I choose to be a witness.
And in my heart, I am so grateful for all the light spilling each day from the Buddhist monks, witnesses for a world where peace is possible. As they come to the end of their the 120-day, 2,300-mile journey, let us take to heart their reflections—honoring the reality that we are all on this journey together.
“These monks walk not for themselves, but for every child who deserves a future without conflict, and for every soul seeking a moment of calm. Even our silent four-legged friend knows that peace isn’t just a word—it’s a way of moving through the world together.
When we stand together in such numbers, our collective presence becomes a ‘Golden Ripple,’ reaching even the farthest corners of the earth.
Bring your heart. Bring your hope. Let’s show the world that kindness is still the most powerful force we have.”
(Thank you, Walk for Peace) SabbathMoments
We wait in the dawn
Until Your light is within us
Lord, let your deep joy
Shine out from our eyes
Grant that your wisdom
Will inspire us with brightness
Let the splendour of your glory
Glow out through our actions
Come and burn within us
Until we radiate your light
Capture our cold hearts
Set us ablaze with your love
Change us and we shall changed
Lord, fill us with the light of life...
David Adam
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