Romans 5 reminds us that the source of our hope is that we have “peace with God” and “Access to God. This means that we are promised to be joint-heirs together with Christ. Although our security rests entirely in the finished work of Christ and the sustaining power of Christ’s Spirit, a Christian’s outward living will testify to their inward spiritual life. Obedience to the Lord does not preserve salvation, but it is an evidence of it. Verses 2-5 give us a little reminder of the road to Christian maturity and growth. Perseverance carries the idea of endurance, and the ability to continue working in the face of strong opposition and great obstacles. To endure patiently for example, means to be calm in circumstances which normally cause impatience. Character, is better translated Proof, as this work was used of testing precious metals such as silver and gold to demonstrate their purity. When Christians experience difficulties that demand perseverance, it produces in them proven spiritual character. The more we pursue holiness, the more we are trouble, the greater our hope will be as we are sustained through it all by God’s powerful grace.” Our victory over daily tribulation comes from the … READ MORE

The story is told of a Southern soldier, who had been freed from prison camp because he was wounded to sorely to return to active duty, and he was seeking access to the President in order to intercede for his brother, the sole support of their mother, who was in a prison camp. The soldiers on guard at the White House would not let him in. One day a little boy was walking near the White House, and he observed the crippled veteran seated on a bench, crying. The boy asked what the problem was. The man explained that he wanted to see Mr. Lincoln to tell him about his brother but the soldiers would not let him past. The boy looked at the soldier compassionately, and held out his hand and said come with me. They walked past the soldiers who were guarding the White House, and through the halls to President Lincoln’s oval office. He walked into the office and introduced the soldier to the President and ask him to listen to the crippled soldiers request. How could one little boy make the difference, he cut through the red tape, and took the soldier directly to the President. … READ MORE

The first link in the unbreakable chain that eternally binds believes to Christ is seen in Romans 5:1 “Peace with God!” It is important to recognize that this is “peace WITH God”, not “the peace OF God” What is the difference? “The peace of God” is what we receive because of the relationship we have with God through Jesus Christ. “Peace with God” is established when we trust the work of Jesus Christ to provide for us the reconciliation we need to approach God. John MacArthur writes, “Most people do not see themselves at “War” with God, they consider themselves, at worst, to be “neutral” about God. But no such neutrality is possible.” We need to understand that when we do not have a relationship with God we are at war against Him. Jesus said that we are either for Him or against Him, there was no neutral ground. It is the awareness of the reality of our reconciliation that gives us peace. When we are convinced we are eternally secure in Christ, we are freed from focusing on our own goodness and merit and are able to serve the Lord with the unqualified confidence that nothing can separate us … READ MORE