ROMANS 5

Chapter CONTEXT from MHCC: The happy effects of justification through faith in the righteousness of Christ. (1-5) That we are reconciled by his blood. (6-11) The fall of Adam brought all mankind into sin and death. (12-14) The grace of God, through the righteousness of Christ, has more power to bring salvation, than Adam’s sin had to bring misery, (15-19) as grace did superabound. (20,21)

No One likes pains, suffering, trials, etc. Yet for the “Christian” they are a part of our lives (or at least should be) Philippians 1:29. Our text for today is in the first section of the Chapter. Here Paul is describing the results of justification by Grace alone through Faith Alone in Christ Alone. It is because of this redemption, this relationship, that the true believer can rejoice even in times of suffering.

This does not mean that believers must be “Happy” in the sense of being overjoyed by the trials and suffering they are experiencing. Yet, we can look for the “good” in every situation:

The secret formula of the saints: When I am in the cellar of affliction, I look for the Lord’s choicest wines. 

– Samuel Rutherford,

Herein Paul is saying look if we must (and God is sovereign here) suffer, let us at least use it for benefit. Let us set about Developing our character (patience) gain knowledge and learn from this (experience) and strengthen our (hope) in Christ. I am convinced that this is what James was saying in James 1:2-4. If you are going to suffer, do it right and learn (perfecting or maturing) from it.

All true believers will suffer in some manner, how you handle it is the true test of your faith.

Below is a link to a sermon preached at Eden Street Chapel, on August 15, 1852, by J. C. Philpot, with our text as the subject.

The Golden Chain of Tribulation and Love