THE POSITION OF A JUSTIFIED MAN.
(Romans 5:1-11)

The Epistle has so far shown that we are sinners; accused, convicted,
condemed. It has shown that Christ took our place and paid the penalty.
We therefore have stepped out of the courtroom justified. What, now, is
our position?

I. WE ARE IN A HAPPY POSITION.

1. BEING JUSTIFIED WE LOOK BACKWARD IN FAITH (5:1.2).

a. WHAT DO WE SEE? GOD'S GRACE HAS COMPLETELY SAVED US.
Rom. 5:1 We are righteous before God, "justified."
Rom. 5:2 We are accepted by God, "access...into...grace"
b. HOW DOES THIS AFFECT US? IT GIVES US PEACE.

Rom. 5:1 "being justified...we have peace with God"
Rom. 5:2 This cessation of enmity permits fellowship.

2. BEING JUSTIFIED WE LOOK FORWARD IN HOPE (5:2-4).

a. WHAT DO WE SEE? GOD'S GLORY IS SAFELY AWAITING US.

Rom. 5:2 "in hope of the glory of God." As though His past grace were not enough. God adds future glory.
b. HOW DOES THIS AFFECT US? IT GIVES US JOY.

Rom. 5:2 "and rejoice in hope of the glory of God"
NOTE: This glory is not dimmed by present tribulation.
Instead, it is brightened thereby, for tribulation
(through patience and experience) produces MORE hope.

3. BEING JUSTIFIED WE LOOK AROUND IN LOVE (5:5-8)

WHAT DO WE SEE? GOD'S LOVE IS REPRODUCED IN US.
"the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts"
b. HOW DOES THIS AFFECT US? IT GIVES US ASSURANCE.

Rom. 5:5 "hope maketh not ashamed, because..." That is,
we know our hope of future glory will certainly be
realized because God is already working in us.
Note; This love is defined; it is not human love but
God's love. God's own love is shed abroad in our hearts

II. WE ARE IN A SAFE POSITION.

4. BEING JUSTIFIED WE DO NOT FEAR THE FUTURE (5:9).

Rom. 5:9 "shall be saved from wrath" Our future safety depends
on Christ's death. Can that be cancelled? John 5:24
"shall not come into condemation (judgment).

5. BEING JUSTIFIED WE DO NOT FEAR THE PRESENT (5:10).

Rom. 5:10 "being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life"

Our present safety depends on the fact Christ lives for us.
Heb. 7:25 "He is able to save...seeing He ever liveth"

6. BEING JUSTIFIED WE DO NOT FEAR THE PAST (5:11).

Rom. 5:11 "we have now received the atonement (reconciliation)"

i.e., our reconciliation is an .accomplished fact,