While We Were still Sinners

While We Were still Sinners

Romans 5:1-11

Peace with God

Prior to Chapter 5, Paul has stated that, because of our unrighteousness, we are all subject to the wrath of God, but that, through faith in God, we can be made righteous and therefore escape that wrath. In verses 1-2, Paul goes on to say that, not only will we escape wrath, but we will be at peace with God.

As recorded in the Gospel of John, before Jesus is arrested, the last word of encouragement he has for his disciples is a wish that they might have peace. (John 16:33) He says that they can have peace, even though the world provides tribulation. Peace means more than an absence of hostility; it means security and safety. Paul says we stand in grace. The love of God is no fickle thing that is offered to us one day and withheld the next. Through the grace of God we have true security that this world cannot provide.

Hope

In verses 3-5, Paul goes on from faith to hope. Faith is fulfilled in the present; hope will be fulfilled in the future. Paul says that even our suffering leads to hope, and hope will not disappoint, but that is not our everyday experience. We have hopes for better health, for more money, for an easier life, and we are often disappointed.

Our experience with God is different from our experience with this world, because our experience with God is based on the love of God. Paul, speaking directly about the love of God for the first time in Romans, says that it is “poured out” into our hearts. The word Paul uses here is the same world Christ used at the last supper, when he said “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” (Luke 22:20) This is the measure of God’s love, that he would sacrifice himself for us. We can place our hope in that love and never be disappointed.

While We Were still Sinners

In verses 6-8, Paul speaks directly of this sacrifice. He says that it happened at just the right time, while we were still powerless. The word that is translated as “powerless” also means “feeble” or “sick”. So, Paul at first says that God gave himself while we were not the whole, well beings we should be, and then later states plainly that it was while we were still sinners. We had no ability to help ourselves, and we were undeserving, but Christ gave his life for us, anyway. Who would do that? Paul says no one would do it. Somebody, he says, might give their life for someone special, but no one would do it for a powerless sinner. But God did.

Joy

In verses 9-11, Paul goes further to say that, in our former state, we were enemies of God. We were made in God’s image, and with the law written on our hearts. We knew right and wrong and we chose the latter. While we were doing that, God reconciled us to him. We were enemies of God by our choice; we are children of God by his choice.

Paul says we are not only reconciled, but we are saved. The word translated “saved” here is the same word that is used to mean “healed”. So, Paul says we were sick, and we have been made whole.

Because of this, Paul says we rejoice. As we struggle in this world it is easy to forget this joy. In this world, even for those of us who lead very comfortable lives, even happiness is rare, and true joy is just not to be found. But our hope is in the glory of God. Whatever happens in this life, that hope will not let us down.