Romans 5

To set up the singing of “The Old Rugged Cross” for Cathy Paulsen’s funeral, this passage came to the fore for a few reasons:

1. It talks about faith in God, which marked Cathy.
2. It talks about peace and hope, which Cathy certainly possessed.
3. It talks about glorying in tribulation – Cathy had tribulation, yet glorified her Jesus.
4. Cathy whole-heartedly embraced the truths of Jesus’ death for her sins.
5. Cathy rejoiced in God through Jesus.

The text and some thoughts:

Romans 5:1-11, Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 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.

6 For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. 10 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. 11 And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.

5:1, “having been” – what has happened for those “Justified by Faith”

5:1, it is through Jesus Christ

5:2, it is by faith

5:2, it is into His grace

5:6, it is because Christ died

5:8, it is for the ungodly – for sinners

5:9, it is because of His blood

5:10, it means saved by His life

5:11, it is through our Lord Jesus Christ

5:11, it means we have received reconciliation

5:1, “Therefore” – the benefit package

1. Peace with God – God no longer an enemy but a Friend
2. Access into His grace – invited to come boldly for help, Hebrews 4:16
3. a Standing – name in the Book of Life, a member of God’s family
4. a Joyful Hope – He is preparing a place and coming for His own, John 14:1-3
5. Glory in tribulations – knowing that God is working to build character and hope
6. Loved by God – such a truth warms the heart
7. Indwelt by the Holy Spirit given us – never to leave, John 14:16
8. Saved from wrath – fears removed
9. a Joy for God – a passion to worship
10. our Lord Jesus – a relationship with Jesus

The Old Rugged Cross, George Bennard

3 In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine, a wondrous beauty I see,
for ’twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died, to pardon and sanctify me.

4 To that old rugged cross I will ever be true, its shame and reproach gladly bear;
then He’ll call me some day to my home far away, where His glory forever I’ll share.