Understanding the Process of Salvation in Romans (Part 1)
Understanding the Process of Salvation in Romans (Part 5 - A Transition is at Hand)
Romans chapter 5 is a chapter of transition. It concludes the topic of justification, and it introduces a new topic; that of sanctification, which is the next step in the broader understanding of salvation. The primary purpose of this study is actually to expound on the content of Romans 6 to 8, which I cannot wait to get into, but let me draw important attention to the fact that none of the information in chapters 6 to 8 would mean a thing if one skips over Romans 1 to 4. One cannot be saved without Romans 1-4. One cannot start to walk after the Spirit and bear the fruits of the Spirit if one ignores the gospel and disregards justification.
So, with this said, let me remind you what we have already covered from Romans 1 to 4 with the few points listed below. I want you to remember these points because we will not be returning to them in Romans. Once Paul concludes justification in Rom.5:11, he does not expound it again in this epistle. It becomes a settled fact, and Paul expects you to take the next step upwards and press on to higher revelation.
Summary of Romans Chap.1-4
- We are to have faith in ‘the faith’ (in our doctrine); which is the will and way God has given to save us.
- The gospel and the cross are as much an image of God’s wrath as it is of God’s love.
- How could God, who is absolutely righteous, declare us who are unrighteous and ungodly, as righteous without corrupting His righteousness and justice?
- God made a way through Jesus Christ. He is just and the justifier of those who believe.
- The faith that Abraham demonstrated when he staggered not at the promise of God, but was fully persuaded that, what God had promised He was able also to perform, is the same faith we should have in the gospel message. We are imputed righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ, not through law and works.
These points above represent the fundamental understanding of justification (imputed righteousness). This is the information that saves us from hell, which is the FIRST step of our complete salvation experience. If any point above is not yet a settled matter and a done deal for you, I recommend that you go back to those parts and study them again. If you are good with everyone, we can move on with confidence and an open heart. In this regard, let me start with the paragraph that ended 'Part 4', because it is worth repeating,
It is on this note, and with this expected faith, that Paul makes a definitive declaration in the very first verse of Romans 5, saying, “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:”. This sets the standard for the rest of the Romans epistle. From this point, Paul is no longer speaking to an unredeemed soul. From Romans 5 onwards, the Word of God shifts to speaking to a soul that has been redeemed from death and condemnation. From Romans 5 onwards, a believer's education in sanctification starts: to die to the flesh and walk in newness of life, and to grow up in our doctrine unto mature sons of God.
In the next segment I will deal with the transitional chapter: the conclusion of justification and the introduction to sanctification.
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