Romans 5:1-11
Being pardoned and justified, the believer’s joy overflows (v. 1). Peace with God is henceforth his inestimable portion. He is reconciled with the Sovereign Judge, and that by the very act which should have brought about His anger for ever: "the death of his Son" (v. 10)! Truly, the love of God is quite unlike any other love. It is indeed His own love for which all the motives are in Himself. He has set His love upon poor creatures who had nothing lovable about them, before they took the smallest step towards Him, when they were without strength, ungodly (v. 6), sinners (v. 8) and enemies (v. 10; 1 John 4:10; 1 John 4:19). Now it is that love which is shed abroad in our hearts.
Before the world, which glorifies itself in present and fleeting advantages, the believer, far from being ashamed (v. 5) can boast of his wonderful future: the glory of God (v. 2). And paradox as it may seem, he is even able to find joy in present tribulations. For they produce precious fruits (vv. 3, 4) which only make his hope more real and fervent. "And not only so . . . " (v. 11); we can glory in the gifts, but above all in the One who gives them to us: God Himself, now become our God, through our Lord Jesus Christ.