Romans 5 - Advantages to Faith

There are so many advantages to faith in Jesus and Paul recounts several in this chapter.

Paul begins chapter 5 with the word "Therefore." Whenever we see the word "Therefore" we must ask ourselves, "what is it there for?". This, "therefore" connects the information Paul was teaching in Chapter 4 with what he is about to teach in Chapter 5.

In Chapter 4 Paul was talking about the faith of Abraham. He specifically quoted from Genesis when he reiterated that, "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness." Paul then explains that this same righteousness is for us who believe in Jesus.

Then Paul begins Chapter 5 with a list of the advantages that believers have by faith in Jesus. There are nine (9) advantages that are mentioned in the first few paragraphs.

Then, in verse 12, Paul uses the word "Therefore," again. This time in connection with the numerous advantages believers in Christ have over those who do not know God and have not obeyed the gospel of God.

The chapter concludes with Paul exploring the distinctions between Adam and Jesus. Adam is the type, and Jesus is the antitype. Adam sinned in the garden where he dwelled with YHWH and as a result, death entered into the world. Jesus lived sinlessly in the earth and died for the sins of man resulting in life for those who believe.

This is good news! Through one man came death (both physical & spiritual), and through one man came life (both physical & spiritual) for those who believe in Him, and believe Him.

Jesus made a way for man to escape death where there once was none.

This is THE advantage of faith in Jesus!

In loving kindness,
PJ