Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (Rom 5:1-5)"Therefore," meaning, because we are saved by faith apart from works. Therefore, what? Those who have been justified by faith have peace with God. Now, that may not sound very big to you, but I suspect that's because you, like most of us, tend to think that we're pretty deserving. We're pretty special. God ought to be at peace with us. If so, you missed the point. God is not at peace with humans; He is angry. Justifiably so. If we understood how far gone we were -- how much of an enemy of God (Rom 5:10) we were -- "peace with God" would come across as astounding. Beyond that, unless you're one of those rare (read "nonexistent") folks who has arrived at sinless perfection, "peace with God" given our constant, ongoing sin problem, should be even more amazing. Not small. Not "nice." More like "unbelievable!!" But true. We have, he says, peace with God. We have, he says, access to His "unmerited favor" -- His grace. We "exult in the hope of His glory." We, who were enemies of God.
Most people think of the next thing as more unbelievable. "Not only this," Paul writes and explains that not only can we exult in the hope of the glory of God, we can exult in tribulation! "Yes! Yippee!! Oh, wait. What?" He explains why. Suffering produces the ability to keep going -- perseverance. Perseverance produces a character that has been tested, proven, honed. And tribulation-honed, enduring, proven character produces hope. It is a sure hope, not a wish, because of the love God has poured out -- dumped on us -- through the Holy Spirit. Sure, it seems weird, but it is not only true, it is practical. He isn't saying merely "God will get you through tough times." No. He is saying that and "God will use them for your benefit, your perfecting." Suffering for your benefit. That's what he says.
If you understand our original standing with God -- a death sentence -- then this justification by faith has utterly amazing ramifications -- two unbelievable outcomes. Without having earned it, you have peace with God. Without having earned it, you have God's favor. In fact, even though you will continue to violate godliness and righteousness in this life, you retain both peace and grace with God. And in this life, as you face absolutely certain troubles, none of them are sufficient to harm you. Instead, they are used by God to improve you, to shape you, to give you character and hope. A sure hope. Two utterly unbelievable things that we can believe and count on and enjoy. Who said doctrine wasn't practical?
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