1. The Doctrine of Reconciliation Romans 5

2. “having been justified by faith” Faith, as defined in Romans, is the active obedient trust demonstrated by Abraham in the conception of Isaac In Romans 3, Paul describes the grace of God as providing the means of our Justification - the Sacrifice of Jesus In Romans 4&5, Paul demonstrates the need to respond to that grace

3. “having been justified by faith” Only those declared righteous can have peace with God “...since we have been declared righteous by faith...” (HCSB) In this short sentence Paul completely puts to rest any concept of a “better felt than told” salvation experience

4. “having been justified by faith” God’s wrath toward man is of a judicial manner (Rom 3:25-26) Man’s hostility toward God is of a more personal nature Only when we truly repent does this hostility cease to exist

5. “having been justified by faith” This peace results in access and a changed perspective Access - “a leading or bringing into the presence of...denotes “access,” with which is associated the thought of freedom to enter through the assistance or favor of another” This peace is not some temporary or fragile thing, we can depend on it and have confidence in it

6. “having been justified by faith” This peace results in access and a changed perspective This repentant forgiven man cannot help but look at this life with a renewed perspective The justified man in tribulation grows closer to God

7. “...the love of God...” It is God’s love that provides us with hope! The hope in Romans 5 is the hope produced as a result of growth in trials This hope does not disappoint This hope come from the sure knowledge of the love of God

8. “...the love of God...” God’s grace is clearly seen as we examine the love that allows for our salvation The foremost reason we can place our trust in God’s love is the means through which he demonstrated it It is this reason that Paul gives in Romans 8 for us to persevere

9. “Having been reconciled, we shall be saved” “we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” Any discussion of our salvation both begins and ends with Jesus Christ The doctrine of reconciliation demonstrates the abundance of our blessings in Christ