Romans 5:1-8—Life
flows from Justification. Christians have peace with God through the
reconciliation made possible by the cross. This lesson is a part of a transition
from justification by faith to a life of faith beginning with chapter 6. Hence, we have Paul’s “therefore.”
By grace through faith, we are one
with God in peace and harmony. Out of this relationship comes reasons to
rejoice: we share in the glory of God (verse 2); we experience suffering that
eventuates in hope (verses 3, 4); and we are reconciled to God through Christ
(verse 11). In our suffering, sin, and
weakness, God comes to us in love expressed in the death of Christ.
Father, You have taught us to overcome
our sins by prayer, fasting and works of mercy. When we are discouraged by our
weakness, give us confidence in Your love. We ask this through our Lord Jesus
Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever.[2]
[1]The Crucifixion, Schnorr von Carolsfeld, woodcuts © WELS Permission to use these copyrighted items is
limited to personal and congregational use.
[2]
Collect for Lent 3, Lutheran Service Book, © 2006 Concordia Publishing House,
St. Louis
[3] Collect for Thursday of the week of Lent 2, For All the Saints, A Prayer Book For and By the Church, Vol. III © 1995 The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY
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