Peace With God Through Christ: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on Romans 5
Executive Summary 🕊️
Romans 5, at its heart, proclaims the magnificent gift of peace with God through faith in Jesus Christ. This peace, a cornerstone of our salvation, stems from justification – being declared righteous in God’s sight, not through our merit, but through the atoning sacrifice of Christ. St. Paul contrasts Adam, through whom sin and death entered the world, with Christ, through whom righteousness and eternal life are offered to all. This chapter unveils the overflowing grace of God, a grace that empowers us to rejoice in hope, even amidst suffering, knowing that our trials produce perseverance, character, and ultimately, a hope that will not disappoint. It’s a powerful invitation to embrace the transformative power of God’s love manifested through the Holy Spirit, a love that secures our eternal inheritance.
This chapter of Romans is a powerful reminder that peace with God through faith in Jesus Christ isn’t just a theological concept; it’s the very foundation of our Christian walk. We explore how this peace is achieved, what it means for our daily lives, and how it empowers us to navigate the challenges of this world with unwavering hope.
Commentary Sections
Romans 5:1 – Justification and Peace
Romans 5:1 (KJV): Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:1 (NKJV): Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Apostle Paul begins by declaring the immediate consequence of justification: peace with God. This peace isn’t merely the absence of conflict, but a profound reconciliation, a restoration of the broken relationship between humanity and its Creator. Before Christ, we were at enmity with God due to our sin. Justification, received through faith in Christ, removes this enmity, granting us access to God’s favor and presence. The phrase “through our Lord Jesus Christ” highlights the crucial mediatorial role of Christ in this process. He is the bridge that spans the chasm of sin, bringing us back into communion with God. This access brings transformative peace.
St. Augustine, reflecting on this peace, wrote: “*Pax Dei, quae exsuperat omnem sensum, custodiat corda vestra et intellegentias vestras in Christo Jesu.*” (May the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:7, Augustine’s Commentary on Philippians). This is not simply a feeling, but a supernatural reality.
Spiritual Application: Cultivate intentional moments of prayer and contemplation to experience the peace that Christ offers. When facing anxiety or uncertainty, remember that your justification secures your position in God’s love and allows you to approach Him with confidence. Consider using resources like dohost website builder to create a dedicated space for online devotionals, promoting this peace.
Romans 5:2 – Access and Rejoicing in Hope
Romans 5:2 (KJV): By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Romans 5:2 (NKJV): Through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
This verse builds upon the foundation of justification, revealing the ongoing benefits of our relationship with Christ. “Access” signifies a continual entry into God’s grace, a constant invitation to draw near and experience His unmerited favor. “Grace wherein we stand” suggests a state of stability and security, a firm foundation upon which our lives are built. The “hope of the glory of God” is not a mere wishful thought, but a confident expectation of sharing in God’s glorious presence and eternal kingdom. This hope empowers us to persevere through trials, knowing that our present sufferings are not worthy to be compared with the glory that will be revealed in us (Romans 8:18).
St. Cyril of Alexandria emphasized the transformative power of this grace: “*Ἡ γὰρ χάρις τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐν ἡμῖν, μεταπλάττει ἡμᾶς εἰς τὴν εἰκόνα τῆς δόξης αὐτοῦ.*” (For the grace of God within us transforms us into the image of His glory. – Commentary on Romans, Cyril of Alexandria). This reflects the ongoing sanctification process.
Spiritual Application: Consciously thank God for the access to His grace and the hope of His glory. Regularly meditate on the promises of Scripture to strengthen your faith and cultivate a joyful anticipation of your eternal inheritance.
Romans 5:3-5 – Suffering and Hope
Romans 5:3-5 (KJV): And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
Romans 5:3-5 (NKJV): And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Paul introduces a seemingly paradoxical concept: rejoicing in tribulation. This isn’t masochism, but a recognition that suffering, when embraced with faith, can be a catalyst for spiritual growth. Tribulation produces perseverance (patience), which in turn develops character (experience, provenness), ultimately leading to a hope that does not disappoint. This hope is anchored in the reality of God’s love, which is “shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost.” This indwelling presence assures us of God’s faithfulness and empowers us to endure hardship with unwavering confidence.
This process reflects the ancient Coptic understanding of “theosis,” or divinization. Through enduring trials and clinging to Christ, we are gradually conformed to His image. This is echoed in the teachings of St. Athanasius: “*Αυτὸς γὰρ ἐνηνθρώπησεν, ἵνα ἡμεῖς θεοποιηθῶμεν.*” (For He Himself became man, that we might be made God. – De Incarnatione, Athanasius of Alexandria).
Spiritual Application: When facing trials, actively seek to understand what God is teaching you. Remember that perseverance is a virtue to be cultivated, and that the Holy Spirit is present to strengthen you and fill you with hope. Practice gratitude, even in difficult circumstances, focusing on the blessings God has bestowed upon you.
Romans 5:6-8 – Christ’s Love and Sacrifice
Romans 5:6-8 (KJV): For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:6-8 (NKJV): For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Paul underscores the astounding depth of God’s love by highlighting the fact that Christ died for the ungodly. He emphasizes our state of helplessness and unworthiness, contrasting it with the immensity of Christ’s sacrifice. The phrase “in due time” suggests God’s perfect timing and plan for redemption. Christ didn’t wait for us to become deserving; He initiated the process of reconciliation while we were still sinners. This demonstrates the radical and unconditional nature of God’s love, a love that surpasses human comprehension.
This aligns with the Coptic understanding of Agape, the unconditional and self-sacrificing love of God. This love is not based on merit but on God’s inherent nature. As St. Dioscorus wrote: “*Ἡ ἀγάπη τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐστὶν ἡ ἀρχὴ καὶ τὸ τέλος τῆς σωτηρίας ἡμῶν.*” (The love of God is the beginning and the end of our salvation. – Fragments, Dioscorus of Alexandria).
Spiritual Application: Reflect on the profound sacrifice of Christ and allow it to deepen your understanding of God’s love. Extend that same love to others, even those who are difficult or undeserving. Practice forgiveness and compassion, mirroring the unconditional love that God has shown to you.
Romans 5:9-11 – Reconciliation and Rejoicing
Romans 5:9-11 (KJV): Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.
Romans 5:9-11 (NKJV): Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.
Paul emphasizes the security of our salvation, highlighting the “much more” principle. If Christ’s death reconciled us to God while we were enemies, how much more certain is our salvation now that we are reconciled? We are not only saved from wrath (God’s righteous judgment), but also saved “by His life,” referring to the ongoing power of Christ’s resurrection. This leads to a profound and joyous reality: “We also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” This joy is not based on fleeting circumstances, but on the unshakeable foundation of our reconciliation with God.
St. Shenouda the Archimandrite emphasized this joy: “*Χαίρετε πάντοτε ἐν Κυρίῳ· πάλιν ἐρῶ, χαίρετε.*” (Rejoice always in the Lord; again I will say, rejoice! – Based on Philippians 4:4, Paraphrasing Shenouda’s Homilies).
Spiritual Application: Cultivate a spirit of joy and gratitude in your relationship with God. Regularly reflect on the blessings of reconciliation and the assurance of salvation. Allow this joy to overflow into your interactions with others, sharing the good news of Christ with those around you.
Romans 5:12-21 – Adam and Christ
Romans 5:12 (KJV): Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
Romans 5:12 (NKJV): Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned—
Paul now introduces the parallel between Adam and Christ. Just as sin and death entered the world through one man, Adam, so righteousness and life are offered through one man, Jesus Christ. He explains that sin entered through Adam and then, death followed. Therefore, death has passed on all people because they have sinned.
Spiritual Application: Recognize your inheritance of sin and actively strive to reject it.
Romans 5:13-14 (KJV): (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.
Romans 5:13-14 (NKJV): (For until the law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned according to the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come.
Paul notes that even before the giving of the law, sin was present. Even those who did not violate a direct command, like Adam, still experienced death. This speaks of the universality of original sin, not in the sense of inherent guilt, but inherited human nature and corruption.
Spiritual Application: Understand that we were never outside of God’s grace.
Romans 5:15 (KJV): But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.
Romans 5:15 (NKJV): But the free gift is not like the offense. For if by the one man’s offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many.
Here, Paul introduces the “much more” principle again. Though many died because of Adam’s transgression, the grace of God through Christ abounds even more greatly. The gift of righteousness surpasses the offense of sin.
Spiritual Application: Understand the immense power of the free gift of grace and trust that it is enough to cover the effects of sin.
Romans 5:16 (KJV): And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.
Romans 5:16 (NKJV): And the gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned. For the judgment which came from one offense resulted in condemnation, but the free gift which came from many offenses resulted in justification.
The judgment that followed Adam’s sin led to condemnation. But the gift of God’s grace leads to justification. Notice that even after all of our individual sins, God still provides justification.
Spiritual Application: Don’t let the weight of sin weigh you down. Trust in God’s free gift that can justify you through all your sins.
Romans 5:17 (KJV): For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:17 (NKJV): For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.
Those who receive grace and the gift of righteousness will “reign in life” through Christ. We are no longer subject to the power of sin and death. Instead, we live eternally.
Spiritual Application: Strive to receive God’s grace.
Romans 5:18 (KJV): Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.
Romans 5:18 (NKJV): Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life.
As the offense of one brought condemnation, the righteousness of one brought justification of life. The apostle doesn’t mean that all are saved, but that all *can* be saved.
Spiritual Application: Understand that it is through faith that we achieve this salvation.
Romans 5:19 (KJV): For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
Romans 5:19 (NKJV): For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.
Through Adam’s disobedience, many were made sinners. Through Christ’s obedience, many will be made righteous.
Spiritual Application: Make the choice to follow the way of righteousness.
Romans 5:20 (KJV): Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:
Romans 5:20 (NKJV): Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more.
The law was given so that sin might be recognized and understood. But even as the law revealed the extent of sin, grace abounded even more greatly.
Spiritual Application: See the law as a tool to see your need for grace, and then seek that grace.
Romans 5:21 (KJV): That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 5:21 (NKJV): So that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Paul concludes with a summary: As sin reigned in death, grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Christ.
Spiritual Application: Accept Christ, accept his sacrifice, and live eternally!
Subtopic Sections
The Significance of “Peace With God” ✨
The concept of “peace with God” is central to the Christian faith. It encompasses more than just the absence of conflict; it signifies a restored relationship, a state of harmony, and a confident assurance of God’s favor.
- Reconciliation: Peace with God is the result of reconciliation, the removal of the barrier of sin that separated us from Him.
- Access to Grace: This peace grants us access to God’s grace, allowing us to draw near to Him in prayer and experience His transformative power.
- Assurance of Salvation: Peace with God provides a deep sense of security, knowing that our sins are forgiven and our eternal destiny is secure.
- Inner Transformation: This peace extends beyond our relationship with God, influencing our relationships with others and transforming our hearts from the inside out.
- Hope and Joy: Peace with God fills us with hope and joy, even amidst suffering, knowing that our trials are temporary and our future is secure.
- Witness to the World: Experiencing and living out peace with God is a powerful witness to the world, demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel.
The Contrast Between Adam and Christ 💡
Paul’s comparison of Adam and Christ is a powerful illustration of the two paths available to humanity: the path of sin and death, and the path of righteousness and life.
- Adam: Represents humanity’s fallen state, burdened by sin and subject to death.
- Christ: Represents humanity’s hope for redemption, offering forgiveness and eternal life through His sacrifice.
- Disobedience vs. Obedience: Adam’s disobedience brought condemnation, while Christ’s obedience brought justification.
- Death vs. Life: Adam’s actions led to death, while Christ’s actions lead to eternal life.
- Sin vs. Righteousness: Adam’s transgression resulted in sin, while Christ’s sacrifice offers righteousness.
- Universal Impact: Both Adam and Christ had a universal impact on humanity, shaping the destiny of all.
FAQ ❓
Here are some frequently asked questions about Romans 5:
Q: What does it mean to be “justified by faith”?
A: Justification by faith means that we are declared righteous in God’s sight, not through our own works or merit, but solely through our faith in Jesus Christ. God imputes Christ’s righteousness to us, covering our sins and granting us a right standing before Him. It’s a gift, not something we earn.
Q: How can suffering produce hope?
A: Suffering, when embraced with faith, produces perseverance, which in turn develops character. This proven character strengthens our hope, which is not a mere wishful thought, but a confident expectation based on God’s faithfulness. Suffering strips away our reliance on ourselves and forces us to depend on God, deepening our trust and strengthening our hope.
Q: If Christ died for all, why aren’t all people saved?
A: While Christ’s sacrifice provides the potential for salvation for all, it is not automatically applied to all. Individuals must respond in faith, accepting Christ as their Lord and Savior. Salvation is a free gift, but it requires a conscious decision to receive it. This aligns with the Orthodox understanding of synergy – God’s grace working in cooperation with human free will.
Q: How does Romans 5 relate to the Coptic Orthodox faith?
A: Romans 5 forms the very bedrock for the Coptic Orthodox Church as we teach that salvation through faith is granted by grace from the love and sacrifice of Jesus. This is why we observe and partake in the sacraments, as they are a means to receiving God’s grace and experiencing this relationship. Further, the saints that are integral to our faith are seen as reflections and proof of how Christians are to live with peace through faith.
Conclusion
Romans 5 unveils the profound truth that peace with God through faith in Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of our salvation and the foundation for a life of hope and joy. This peace isn’t a mere feeling, but a transformative reality, a restored relationship with our Creator made possible through the atoning sacrifice of Christ. The contrast between Adam and Christ highlights the radical shift from condemnation to justification, from death to life. By embracing the grace offered through Christ, we can rejoice in hope, even amidst suffering, knowing that the love of God has been poured out into our hearts by the Holy Spirit. As Coptic Orthodox Christians, we are called to live out this peace, reflecting God’s love and grace in our daily lives, becoming beacons of hope in a world desperately seeking reconciliation.
Tags
Peace with God, Justification, Faith, Grace, Romans 5, Coptic Orthodox, Theology, Christ, Adam, Salvation
Meta Description
Explore Romans 5 with a Coptic Orthodox lens. Discover how to achieve peace with God through faith in Jesus Christ, find hope, and understand salvation.