Study With ECWA Daily Devotions Everyday

THURSDAY, 30 MARCH 2023

TEXT: Romans 5:1-11

1. Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

2. Also through Him, we have obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.

3. And not only that, but we also rejoice in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance,

4. endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope.

5. This hope does not disappoint, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

6. For while we were still helpless, at the appointed moment, Christ died for the ungodly.

7. For rarely will someone die for a just person- through for a good person perhaps someone might even dare to die.

8. But God proves His own love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us!

9. Much more then, since we have now been declared righteous by His blood, we will be saved through Him from wrath.

10. For if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, [then how] much more, having been reconciled, will we be saved by His life!

11. And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

(Holmans CS Version Holy Bible)

TOPIC: THE REALITY OF THE NEW LIFE IN CHRIST

Paul opens with the word ‘therefore’ to signify the truth that a man is justified by faith and not by the works of the Law. The Word also points to the privilege we all have through example of Abraham which assures us that whoever comes to God by faith will be considered righteous.

Now that the believer is justified by faith, he will be at peace with God. In other words, by faith in Jesus Christ, we have been reconciled back to God. We now have access to the grace of God through which we live our new lives.

Although we rejoice in future glory which shows that we are perfect in Christ, we still have a life to live here on earth which is full of suffering. The suffering of the believer will eventually produce perseverance, character and hope because God’s love has been poured into our hearts.

It is a given that believers must experience difficulties in this life, but such are meant to help us grow into maturity and become like Jesus. God will use our challenges, especially in this period of terrorism and global pandemic, to strengthen our perseverance and build our character.

QUESTION: Do you know that the problems you face as a believer are opportunities for growth and that you should thank God for them?

PRAYER: Take time now to go through the challenges confronting you. Can you say that you did not create them but are part of God’s plans to test your patience and faith? Talk to God about these.