Romans 5: Benefits of justification. God declares peace. The 2 heads of humanity: Adam or Jesus.

Paul moves on to the benefits of justification: Peace, Access, and Joy.

The primary upside to these benefits? We can now handle trials and persecution!

Why do Christians Have Trials?
1. To glorify God (Dan 3:16-18, 24-25).
2. Discipline for known sin (Heb 12:5-11; James 4:17; Rom 14:23; 1 Jn 1:9).
3. To prevent us from falling into sin (1 Pet 4:1-2).
4. To keep us from Pride. Paul kept from pride by his “thorn in the flesh.” (2 Cor 12:7-10). Was it his eyes? (Gal 4:15; 6:11).
5. To build faith (1 Pet 1:6-7).
6. To cause growth (Rom 5:3-5).
7. To teach obedience and discipline (Acts 9:15-16; Phil 4:11-13).
8. To equip us to comfort others (2 Cor 1:3-4).
9. To prove the reality of Christ in us (2 Cor 4:7-11).
10. For testimony to the angels (Job 1:8; Eph 3:8-11; 1 Pet 1:12). Thus: James 1:2-4
—from Hal Lindsey’s Combat Faith

He then lays the groundwork for growing in grace, or sanctification.

He explains how the entire human race is under the headship and dominion of Adam's fall -- and how Jesus (as the 'last Adam') offers an alternative headship.

Why are we sinners?
1) We are sinners because we commit acts of sin.
2) We are sinners by nature (sin doesn’t make us sinners, but we sin because we have that nature).
3) We are in the state of sin. God has declared the entire human family under sin.
4) You and I are also sinners by imputation. That is, Adam acted for the human race because he was the head of it.


Contrast of Two Unions

One Man (Adam)
[15] One man’s offence many died
[16] One (Adam) judgment, condemnation
[17] Through one man death reigns
[18] One man’s offence condemnation to all
[19] Disobedience of one many made sinners
[21] Sin reigned in death!

One Man (Jesus)
[15]One Man’s free gift righteousness to many
[16]For many offences gift of justification
[17]Through one Man believers reign in life
[18]Righteousness of One justification offered all
[19]Obedience of One many MADE righteous MADE kathistemi, means “stand constituted as"
[21]Grace reigns in eternal life!