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by Howard Watson
While verse one tells of the believer's peace
with God, verse two tells of his/her access ("prosagoge"
Gk. from "prosasgo" meaning approach, access, admission
to the presence of one)in the standing of constant grace ("karin"
Gk. from "karis" meaning free favor or gift) with God.
Therefore, we rejoice ("kaukiometha" Gk.from "kaukaomai"
meaning to glory, boast, exultation") in hope of the glory
of God. The believer is set on the road to heavenly glory with God
through Christ from the moment of justification by faith into peace
and fellowship with God the heavenly Father. We must understand
that our peace and access with God (Theos) the Father is based upon
the redemption ("apolutroseos" Gk. from "apolutrosis"
meaning redemption, release, deliverance by paying the price) provided
by Jesus Christ our Lord. See Romans 3:23-24. By our faith in the
redeeming blood of the death of Jesus Christ for us we are accounted
righteous by God in Christ. Herein is the unique work of Jesus Christ,
by His coming into the world of lost sinners, who cannot be accounted
righteous on any other basis, other than through the saving death/debt/work
upon Calvary's cross. New life in Christ comes to us, not by our
fleshly works, but by the grace of God which is freely given in
Christ. By faith we stand in patience of trial and affliction, despite
all the world brings upon us for our boasting in the risen living
Lord Jesus Christ.
We make claim with praise to Jesus for God's gracious love toward
us sinners who are/were condemned by the holy law of God's royal
holiness. See verses 3-11.
Verses 12-21 explain the origin of the sin of sinners, who are descendants
from Adam, through whom sin entered the world. But God's grace,
acting in Christ Jesus, brings us, through our faith in Christ and
God, into a gracious standing of righteousness, although we are/were
sinners condemned to sin's death. But Jesus has taken our sin's
debt of death on the cross and has given His righteousness for our
sin.
All our transgression ("paraptoma" Gk. a falling along
side, a false step) and our sin("hamartia" Gk. to miss
the mark, to be guilty of wrong, proneness to sin) is accounted
and laid upon Christ Jesus in our stead and we are accounted righteous
and reconciled to God in Christ Jesus.
We are being saved in new life found in Christ Jesus day by day.
New life in Christ reigns in us by our personal faith, giving victory
over sin's death, here, now and forever.
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