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THE NEW LIFE1

(Romans 5: 1-21)

We’ve fully covered the first part of the Epistle of Paul to the Romans through expositions
one to four which is all about the issue of human sinfulness, its universality and how the
redemptive work of Jesus Christ effectively dealt with sin so that we will gain right standing
with God by grace through faith; Abraham, the Father of faith, became the primary example of
justification by faith. In the next four chapters (5-8), which is the second of the four major parts,
we will look into how faith in Christ and the gift of the Spirit effect the kind of righteousness
that the law failed to accomplish since it is powerless to deal with human sinfulness.2
Exposition four is entitled “The New Life.” Here we will discover the direct effect of God’s
grace in one’s life. Let us pray…
The apostle Paul has to enumerate the effects of justification by faith not only to convince
the original recipients of his letter but for the primary reason that it was his personal experience.
In other words, the passage serves as Paul’s personal testimony for the transformation he
experienced in Christ through the Holy Spirit. Let us discover together the Premise, the
Products, the Purchase and, the Previous Old Life vs. the New Life as outlined by Paul in
Romans chapter five verses one to twenty one.

I. The Premise of the New Life, v.1a. Paul begins chapter five with these words, “1So now,
since we have been made right in God's sight by faith in his promises…” In other translation
it says, “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith…” The words ‘So now or
therefore’ indicate that Paul is moving from one subject to another. First, in v.1a we see the
Premise of the New Life. The premise, ground or foundation of the new life is our
justification by faith. This affirmation has been Paul’s subject beginning chapter one to four.
And now he again reminds his readers that the benefits of righteousness are solely based on
God’s grace through the redemptive work of Christ on the cross. In this statement Paul uses
the aorist passive participle in the original text which suggests that God's action is completed

1
Ptr. Jun Hernani. EXPO 5. Romans 5:1-21 for Berean Fellowship: July 30, 2010 5:30-7pm, UCCP Davao City.
2
Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart, How to Read the Bible: A Guided Tour (Manila: OMF Literature Inc., 2002), 318.
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and man is now accepted by God.3 In other words, this is a done deal: God already accepted
those who believe in the redemptive work of Christ on the cross. This leads us to the second
point.

II. The Products of the New Life, vv.1b-5. Since we have been accepted by God, we now
enjoy the Products of the New Life, vv.1b-5. The first product or benefit of being justified by
faith is PEACE. “…we can have real peace with him because of what Jesus Christ our Lord
has done for us. This peace is not a subjective feeling but a state or condition. The believer has
been reconciled to God through the atoning (reconciling) sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross
which took away the wrath or the righteous anger of God due to sin. The term reconciliation, in
Greek, basically means “change” or “exchange.” In the context of relationships between people,
the term implies a change in attitude on the part of both individuals, a change from enmity to
friendship.4 Remember that God’s wrath is directed towards sin and disobedience.5 When Paul
declared, “…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (3:23) it meant that God’s
wrath was directed to all whether Jew or Gentile. Sin made us God’s enemies. It created a great
barrier between the Holy God and sinful humanity. Our fellowship, which was originally
perfect in the Garden of Eden, was interrupted by the Fall. Since that rebellion, humanity
declared war with their Creator. But justification by faith ended the war and brought
reconciliation with the Creator and the created. All because of what Jesus Christ has done for
us. Not by our own efforts but only through what Christ has done on the cross. And so we sing,
“Only by grace can we enter, only by grace can we stand; not by our human endeavor but by the
blood of the Lamb…” Thank you, Lord Jesus. Your blood has washed away our sins and made
us right before God. Now we have peace with Him.
The second product or benefit of being justified by faith is ACCESS. 2For because of
our faith, he has brought us into this place of highest privilege where we now stand, and we
confidently and joyfully look forward to actually becoming all that God has had in mind for us

3
“Romans” from The Living Word Commentary Series in Theophilos 3, CD-ROM.
4
Earl D. Radmacher, general editor; Ronald B. Allen, Old Testament editor, Nelson Study Bible [computer file], electronic ed., Logos
Library System, (Nashville: Thomas Nelson) 1997.
5
“Romans” from The Living Word Commentary.
2
to be. To have access means “to approach,” as if by introduction into a king’s throne room. We,
who are justified by faith, have been granted admission to stand before God. Even though we
were once rebels, we do not have to face God’s judgment. Instead we approach His throne in
the realm of grace, or in the King’s favor.6 That is why the writer of the book of Hebrews
declares, “Let us come before the throne of grace with confidence…” (Heb.4:16) We
continually have access to God’s throne because of God’s grace and mercy. Grace somebody
says is God’s Riches According to Christ’s Expenses. My friends, this is God’s unmerited
favor. The results of the second benefit are having confidence, joy and hope that someday, we
will be sharing God’s glory. Believers, this is our future hope.
The third product or benefit of justification by faith is PERSEVERANCE. 3We can
rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials for we know that they are good for us--they
help us learn to be patient. 4And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust
God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady. For Paul,
we don’t just rejoice for our future hope (sharing God’s glory) but even in this earthly life
which is full of problems and trials we can rejoice. Why? Our patience in the midst of trouble
develops perseverance and deeper faith in God. We don’t rejoice because we have tribulations
but we rejoice that these physical hardships, sufferings and trials will produce a Christ-like
character in us. As we exercise our faith in God and persevere amidst life’s injustice, inequality,
harshness and perverseness we share His character of being holy, compassionate and loving.
Again, the words of the writer to the Hebrews, is a fitting reminder for us, “Let us fix our eyes
on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith...” (Heb.12:2) Our Lord Jesus, himself, was
tested, suffered and even died a shameful death. But he endured it all to provide propitiation for
our sins. Once we are justified by faith our whole perspective in life changes. We are able to
endure any tests and temptations because we are encouraged to follow the way of Jesus. In the
midst of suffering he remained trusting, forgiving and patient. Now God has lifted him up that
at the name of Jesus ever knee should bow… and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is

6
Earl D. Radmacher, general editor; Ronald B. Allen, Old Testament editor, Nelson Study Bible [computer file], electronic ed., Logos
Library System, (Nashville: Thomas Nelson) 1997.

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Lord. (Phil.2:10-11) Paul, himself, is not a stranger to suffering. In 2 Corinthians 11:21-30 we
can read how he experienced various testing: five times received forty slashes, thrice
shipwrecked, thrice beaten with rods, once stoned and faced various perils in the city,
wilderness, sea, and among false believers. He knew thirst, hunger, coldness and nakedness
until finally he was beheaded under the Roman Empire. Yet Paul, in all these tribulations,
persevered because he experienced the transforming grace through our Lord Jesus Christ.
The fourth product of justification by faith is GOD’S LOVE and the HOLY SPIRIT.
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Then, when that happens, we are able to hold our heads high no matter what happens and
know that all is well, for we know how dearly God loves us, and we feel this warm love
everywhere within us because God has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
Friends, the secret to endurance is not so much on our ability to hold on to God but God’s
abounding love which has been poured on us. This love stays with us till we meet God because
He has given us the Holy Spirit who fills our hearts with God’s love. Karl Marx despised
religion by saying, “It is the opium of the people.” What Marx means is that in the midst of our
tribulations we made Religion an anesthetic (i.e. Religion) to make us forget all the pains and
sufferings in life. But for Christians, we don’t have an empty religion. We believe in a God of
love. God’s love is the dynamic force that strengthens our fragile humanity to make us sustain
even the hardest blow of life. Love as a dynamic power working in the church is the
unmistakable sign of the "Holy Spirit's" effective presence.7
Peace with God, access into His presence, perseverance in the midst of world’s
tribulations, God’s love and the presence of the Holy Spirit these are the benefits of salvation.
How abundantly blessed we are. If we have these to enjoy, then Christians should be the
happiest people around. Even Mahatma Gandhi recognized the great value of love in this world
when he says, “Love never claims, it ever gives; love never suffers, never resents, never
revenges itself. Where there is love there is life; hatred leads to destruction.”8 Of all people,
Christians have the abundant supply of love, the Agape kind of love that this world badly needs.

7
“Romans” from the Living Word Commentary.
8
“Sayings of Gandhi” from http://www.allgreatquotes.com/mahatma_gandhi_quotes.shtml (Cited: July 30, 2010
11:45am).
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With God pouring His love continually in us through the Holy Spirit we must be vessels of
hope in this hopeless world.

III. The Purchase of the New Life, vv.6-11 Lest people forget easily the price of
Justification and basked on the benefits of God’s grace, Paul, once again, reminds his recipients
the cost of salvation. 6When we were utterly helpless with no way of escape, Christ came at just
the right time and died for us sinners who had no use for him. 7Even if we were good, we really
wouldn't expect anyone to die for us, though, of course, that might be barely possible. 8But God
showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. 9And
since by his blood he did all this for us as sinners, how much more will he do for us now that he
has declared us not guilty? Now he will save us from all of God's wrath to come. 10And since,
when we were his enemies, we were brought back to God by the death of his Son, what
blessings he must have for us now that we are his friends, and he is living within us! 11Now we
rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God--all because of what our Lord Jesus Christ
has done in dying for our sins--making us friends of God.
“Salvation is free but it’s not cheap.” “God’s love is freely poured out on us but it is
priceless.” This is Paul’s theme as he outlines the Purchase of the New Life. In verses six to
eleven, Paul shows us the measure of God’s love. God rescued us in Christ at the right time. A
song goes, “You came along just at the right time when I was at the end of my line.” What was
our condition then? We were trapped in sin and just waiting for God’s righteous judgment
(utterly helpless with no way of escape, v.6). The original text (Greek) suggests that humanity is
disease-ridden, deformed and feeble from the disease of sin which is wasting away his/her life. 9
Because of our hopeless condition we now appreciate how profoundly significant and timely
the death of Christ is. In human terms, Paul argues, it is hard to find somebody to die even for a
good person, how much more for a convict, v.7. Paul’s argument is that there is no intrinsic
goodness in humanity that is worth dying for. But this is the GOOD NEWS: “…God showed
His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners”, v.8. Another

9
“Romans” from the Living Word Commentary.

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translation renders this verse, “But this is how God showed His love towards us that while we
were yet sinners Christ died for us.” You see, God’s love is not dependent on how lovable we
are. It is unconditional, agape. God’s love looks past our failures, shortcomings, and sinfulness.
And so by grace through faith in the redemptive work of the Lord Jesus Christ, all our sins are
wiped out. We stand forgiven, pardoned, and reconciled. All because of God’s love
demonstrated in Christ’s death. The cross, according to Paul, is the focal point of God’s
redemptive act.
God, out of His sheer love, will show more of His goodness in us since we are now
reconciled to Him, v.9. Even if we are already justified we need to be sustained every day by
God’s grace until we experience the final consummation in which sin will reign no more. We
are friends of God and He lives in us, v.10. We rejoice with our current relationship with God
all because of His amazing grace, v.11. My friends, the result of experiencing God’s gift of
salvation by grace through faith is not to continue living in sin rather this faith leads to good
works out of gratitude and love sustained by the Holy Spirit who actively works in our lives.
From enemies to God’s friends, that’s the change of our status. All because God purchased our
salvation by the blood of the Lamb, praise be to Him!

IV. The Previous Old Life vs. the New Life, vv.12-21. In vv.12-21 we will discover the
Previous Old life in comparison to the New Life. For us to appreciate our current status as
justified believers Paul shows us the Old life which we inherited from Adam and the New Life
we have in Christ.
(a) What Adam brought to the world. 12When Adam sinned, sin entered the entire
human race. His sin spread death throughout all the world, so everything began to grow old
and die, for all sinned. 13We know that it was Adam's sin that caused this because although, of
course, people were sinning from the time of Adam until Moses, God did not in those days judge
them guilty of death for breaking his laws--because he had not yet given his laws to them, nor
told them what he wanted them to do. 14So when their bodies died it was not for their own sins
since they themselves had never disobeyed God's special law against eating the forbidden fruit,
as Adam had. What a contrast between Adam and Christ who was yet to come! What did we
inherit from Adam? In Adam, we all sinned (cf. 1 Cor. 15:22). The result is physical and
spiritual death for everyone. From Adam we inherited a sin nature. Biblical Scholars call this
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“Original Sin.” Furthermore, as a result of our sin in Adam, we face a common judgment—
death.10 The account of Adam's fall in Genesis 3 was understood by Paul's Jewish
contemporaries as bringing man under the power of sin and death.11
(b) Comparison of Adam and Christ. 15And what a difference between man's sin
and God's forgiveness! For this one man, Adam, brought death to many through his sin. But
this one man, Jesus Christ, brought forgiveness to many through God's mercy. 16Adam's one sin
brought the penalty of death to many, while Christ freely takes away many sins and gives
glorious life instead. 17The sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to be king over all, but all
who will take God's gift of forgiveness and acquittal are kings of life because of this one man,
Jesus Christ. 18Yes, Adam's sin brought punishment to all, but Christ's righteousness makes men
right with God, so that they can live. 19Adam caused many to be sinners because he disobeyed
God, and Christ caused many to be made acceptable to God because he obeyed. 20The Ten
Commandments were given so that all could see the extent of their failure to obey God's laws.
But the more we see our sinfulness, the more we see God's abounding grace forgiving us.
21
Before, sin ruled over all men and brought them to death, but now God's kindness rules
instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our
Lord.
It was through Adam that sin entered the world, and the result of his sin was death. This
happened long before the law was given, so death cannot be put down to law-breaking. And
even though people did not sin in the same way as Adam, they were caught in the consequences
of sin: "death reigned from Adam to Moses" (vv.12-14). Paul brings the idea that Adam was a
“type” of Christ and then presented what each did which brought consequence to all humanity.
Adam brought death, Christ brought forgiveness; Adam brought penalty for sin Christ took
away sins and gave glorious life; Adam’s sin brought punishment to all and when the law
appeared it increased the trespass; Christ’s death reconciled us to God; Adam’s disobedience
made all sinners, Christ’s obedience made us acceptable to God. These are the significant
differences of the old Adam and the new Adam. The old Adam brought disaster and
condemnation, the new Adam (Christ) brought blessing and salvation. Paul concludes by
contrasting the reign of sin in death with the reign of grace "through righteousness to eternal life
through Jesus Christ our Lord."12
A New Testament Scholar maintains that one of the most difficult passages to handle in
the Bible is Romans 5: 12-21. Whatever his reasons, still we see the message that Paul is trying

10
Earl D. Radmacher, general editor; Ronald B. Allen, Old Testament editor, Nelson Study Bible [computer file], electronic ed., Logos
Library System, (Nashville: Thomas Nelson) 1997.
11
“Romans” from the Living Word Commentary.
12
“Adam” from Elwell’s Theological Dictionary in The Bible Library, CD-ROM.
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to convey: That the Old Life brought by Adam can now be replaced by the New Life through
Jesus Christ our Lord. The only way is by grace through faith in the redemptive work of Christ
on the cross.
I like how The Message renders verses 18-19 of Romans chapter five because it captures
Paul’s comparison of the old and the new life, “Here it is in a nutshell: Just as one person did it
wrong and got us in all this trouble with sin and death, another person did it right and got us
out of it. But more than just getting us out of trouble, he got us into life! One man said no to
God and put many people in the wrong; one man said yes to God and put many in the right.
The old life then which we inherited from Adam, who disobeyed God, got us into trouble
with sin and death. But the assurance we have is that because Christ became obedient to God, as
the new Adam, we got out of trouble and received a new lease of life.
What then is the New Life? It is a life where peace is manifested, where entering into
God’s throne has become a privilege, where patience amidst tribulations produces perseverance
resulting to Christ-likeness, where hope in the future glorification is a lived reality, where God’s
love abounds and the Holy Spirit abides. This is the New Life, the life where the Triune God is
magnified and glorified.
Is this New Life manifested in us? Is this evident in our Church? What could be the
hindrances where the full potential of this New Life cannot blossom? We must search our hearts
and be honest with ourselves. Remember, The New life is lived in constant ‘YES’ to God.

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