Saved by faith and made righteous by works, believers are now strengthened by comforting words from the apostle Paul. In his letter to the Roman churches Paul now focuses on the power of faith in troubling times.

Knowing that faith in Jesus christ could be credited as righteousness before God, believers are called to abide by the word to attain peace and overcome challenges brought on by the world.

"1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God." (Romans 5:1-2)

Through forgiveness believers find peace with God as we battle against sin armed with faith in Christ. Through God's grace, the war against evil is fought and won by those in Christ who are blessed with a peaceful relationship with the Father, through faith in His son.

Through faith believers can rejoice at their present state of mind, one of peace with God almighty and of battle against evil as each soldier is shielded with salvation.

"3 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope." (Romans 5:3-4)

While suffering among believers is inevitable, faith is the channel by which disciples of Jesus Christ are strengthened and blessed with perseverance, character and hope in the fulfillment of God's promise made to Abraham, that all who believe shall be saved and inherit the gift of eternal life in heaven.

Not only is our future secure but the present also, through the Holy Spirit who strengthens us and leads us to everlasting life.

"5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." (Romans 5:5)

From the moment a believer trusts in the Lord, the Holy Spirit is poured onto their heart. As Christ died for our sins His strength was released for all men to draw from, through the Holy Spirit.

"6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly." (Romans 5:6)

Now empowered by the Holy Spirit that dwells within all believers, the Romans just as ourselves are armed and ready for battle against sin and evil. Though God loves us the way we are, He also loves us too much to leave us powerless and ungodly.

This is why He sent His son to die for our sins so that through the Holy Spirit we could be empowered by faith in Jesus Christ who dies for the ungodly.

"7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:7-8)

Sacrifice for both righteous and good men is indeed rare, imagine how more scarce it is to die for an ungodly man. This shows the extent of God's love for us, sending His son to die for the ungodly and powerless.

"9 Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him!" (Romans 5:9)

Jesus shed His blood on the cross while we were enemies of God, His love for us shall be that much more prominent now that we have faith in Him. Saved from God's wrath, believers are credited as righteous through faith in Jesus Christ.

"10 For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!" (Romans 5:10)

By enemies of God Paul reminds us at the time when Jesus roamed the earth many were unbelievers rebelling against God's will and the fulfillment of His promise of a Messiah. Though enemies of God, all men are invited to join God in His kingdom where eternal life awaits those who have faith and believe.

"11 Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation." (Romans 5:11)

Through faith in Jesus Christ we have achieved reconciliation with God. Credited as righteousness our faith delivers us from bondage. Empowered by the Holy Spirit we rejoice in suffering by which we are built up in Christ as we are sanctified through our works.

In this scripture Paul teaches us that all men should love Christ because He first loved us, even though we were enemies of His father. Believers should feel empowered by the fact God loved us before we were saved. I invite you to allow the Holy Spirit to strengthen you as you advance the gospel along your walk through the valleys of this world. Let us pray!