Relief At Last! (Sermon Blog)

Over the last few weeks in our When In Romans series, we’ve walked through some heavy truths. In Romans 1, Paul described the downward spiral of the Gentile world. In chapter 2, he confronted the Jewish people who thought their heritage exempted them from judgment. By chapter 3, we learned that no one can work their way to heaven—it’s all about faith. Last week in Romans 4:3, Paul reminded us of Abraham, the “friend of God,” who was declared righteous simply because he believed. Romans 4:15 also told us that the law brings punishment—not peace.

But now, in Romans 5, we arrive at something beautiful: relief.

Five Reasons We Can Breathe a Sigh of Relief

1. We’re Made Right With God by Faith

“Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God…” — Romans 5:1

Faith—not works—is what justifies us. As Pastor Steve reminded us, “justified” means just as if I’ve never sinned. Hard to believe? Yes. But Psalm 103 says God removes our sin as far as the east is from the west.

This isn’t just inner peace—it’s reconciliation. We’re no longer enemies of God. His wrath is no longer aimed at us. We now stand in a place of undeserved privilege and have friendship with God. That’s the very definition of grace.

2. Our Suffering Serves a Purpose

“…problems and trials help us develop endurance…” — Romans 5:3-5

Suffering is universal—but not purposeless. It builds:

• Endurance

• Character

• Hope—a confident kind of hope, not wishful thinking

As Pastor Steve said, “Don’t get stuck in the why—move to the what.” Ask, God, what do you want me to learn from this? That shift brings growth—and yes, even relief in the middle of pain.

3. Jesus Threw Us a Lifeline

“When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners.” — Romans 5:6

Paul says Jesus didn’t wait until we cleaned ourselves up—He rescued us while we were still drowning. Many people resist salvation because they think they’re “good enough.” But the gospel isn’t a pep talk—it’s a rescue mission. And we don’t need a Savior until we realize we’re lost.

“God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” — Romans 5:8

That’s relief: knowing we were loved and saved at our very worst.

4. Adam’s Sin Was Canceled by Christ

“Just as one trespass resulted in condemnation… so also one righteous act resulted in justification…” — Romans 5:18

In Adam, we inherited sin and death. But in Jesus, we receive:

• Forgiveness

• Justification

• Righteousness

• Eternal life

This contrast is everything. We were guilty by association—but in Christ, we’re redeemed by grace.

5. We Now Live in the Land of Grace

“…now God’s wonderful grace rules…” — Romans 5:21

Living in the land of grace means:

• You can stop striving

• You can forgive yourself

• You can forgive others

Understanding God’s grace leads us to extend it. And that brings peace. Joy. Relief.

Let This Sink In:
God is not your enemy.
God is not out to get you.
God is your friend.

If you’ve been trying to earn God’s approval, maybe it’s time to rest in His grace. As Pastor Steve said, “Tomorrow when you wake up, instead of condemning yourself, just say, ‘God, I receive your love. I receive your grace.’”

📖 Don't miss Part 6 of “When In Romans” this Sunday as we continue discovering the good news that brings true freedom and peace.