Paul tells the Roman Christians that because they have been justified that they partake in the benefits associated with justification such as peace with God; standing in grace; rejoicing in the hope of God's glory; and rejoicing in suffering. These benefits are not for all of humanity but rather belong only to the family of the redeemed in Christ.
Man by sin and disobedience is actively engaged in animosity toward God, but Jesus Christ has fulfilled all the requirements for making peace with God. Peace with God means that we are no longer held accountable for our disobedience, and this peace is accomplished through the imputation of Christ's own righteousness. Justification also provides the benefit of standing or access to God, and our standing comes from God placing us in His own presence. As sons and daughters we have the right of access to present our prayers and positions before our Heavenly Father. Through justification man has the ability to rejoice in the hope of God's glory. The people of Christ rejoice in hope and long for with expectation the final redemption and glorification of God's name and His people.
The final benefit of justification allows the believer to rejoice in suffering as God uses suffering to draw His people into deeper fellowship with Christ. Suffering both great and small can have a sanctifying effect on the believer. Suffering for righteousness sake produces endurance, steadfastness, constancy, and character. Character and endurance show forth the stamp of authenticity of Christ to a wicked world.
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Nathan Eshelman is pastor of the Reformed Presbyterian Church (RPCNA) in historic downtown Orlando, FL. He studied for ministry at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary and the Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary.
He is co-host of "The Jerusalem Chamber" podcast,...
