Romans 5:1-2, 5-8
Chapter 5
1
Consequences of the New Righteousness
By faith, we have received true righteousness, and we are at peace with God through Jesus Christ, our Lord.2
Through him, we receive this favor in which we abide, and we even boast to expect the glory of God.
5
Hope does not disappoint us because the Holy Spirit has been given to us, pouring into our hearts the love of God.
6
Consider, furthermore, the time when Christ died for us: when we were still helpless and unable to do anything.
7
Few would agree to die for an upright person; although for a very good person, perhaps someone would dare to die.
8
But see how God demonstrated his love for us: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us;
Commentaries
Consequences of the New Righteousness.
Another section of the letter begins. Legal language takes a back seat to a more ethical one. The prominence of love replaces the dominance of divine justice. There is no longer any distinction between Jews and pagans. Paul now addresses the Christian community. He explains what this “justification” consists of, which we receive as a gift from God through Jesus Christ. With peace and hope, Christians do not avoid or shy away from the hardships and suffering of the present life, whether those inherent in the human condition or those caused by following Christ. Instead, they accept them with responsibility, patience, and endurance, knowing that, in the end, the power of life will triumph over the powers of death. What seems unbelievable to our human capacity is not so for the unconditional and infinite love of God revealed in the death and resurrection of Jesus.