Romans 5:1-5

 “Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of God’s glory. Not only this, but we also rejoice in sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance, character, and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”

— ‭‭Romans‬ ‭5‬:‭1‬-‭5‬‬

NPP again is going to debate this meaning of righteousness, whether the traditional/reformed imputation of Christ’s righteousness or the more familial approach that God has accepted us as one of His own. I haven’t studied this facet of NPP to know why they have to disagree so much. My assumption is that traditionalists accuse NPP of not going far enough and remove the basis for being accepted into God’s family.

The result is the same per the next phrase, we have peace with God. See textual criticism post on whether that word is indicative or subjunctive. The relationship has been restored. Reconciliation is made, and I don’t know how you reach a place of reconciliation without acknowledging a broken state prior to this. So those who deny wrath or holiness, I need to read more on their understanding of these first few chapters of Romans. I do know wrath is never mindless, spontaneous, emotional reaction. It is a character trait of holiness that must respond to sun appropriately.

Faith brings a state of righteousness and access to grace. And therefore, we rejoice because we have hope of God’s glory. Sounds awesome. Can anything go wrong at this point? 

We also rejoice in suffering, because we don’t jump straight to experiencing God’s glory. We mature in this life. Paul lists the stages in that journey and I don’t think it’s one cycle or even a straight progression. Probably multiple times and many steps forward and backward. 

But in every stage we have hope, which comes from the love of God. NET says there’s a good chance this is both our love for God and His for us. Perhaps. In light of preceding topics and 5:7-11 (particularly v8), I lean towards His love for us.

And the Holy Spirit is essential in reminding us of all these things, see ch 8. So much in these 5 verses. This is the whole book of Romans in a few sentences. 

So much truth to feed our mind. So much emotion to fill our heart. 

That one phrase is haunting…rejoice in suffering. Cause I know those early Christians had true suffering. May I continue to mature on the path to experiencing God’s glory.