Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in our hope of sharing the glory of God. More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us.
While we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. Why, one will hardly die for a righteous man—though perhaps for a good man one will dare even to die. But God shows his love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we are now justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. Not only so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received our reconciliation. Romans 5:1–11 (RSV)
Some passages of Scripture are to the soul as a cool drink is to a thirsty man. St. Paul's witness in Romans 5 is a joy to read for it gives boundless hope to sinners.
Anyone who is remotely honest with themselves must acknowledge that sin is at work in their lives. When we see God's holiness and righteousness, it is clear that it is not possible for us to move toward salvation. St. Paul lays out the truth that we are weak, ungodly enemies of God.
We are helpless, without hope beyond the grave. It is our Lord Jesus who steps down into our weakness, takes upon Himself our ungodliness, and by His rising from the dead, restores us to God's beloved children.
St. Paul reminds us that now that we are reconciled to God, we are free to live in Him, rejoicing daily for so great a salvation.
O most blessed and merciful Father, whose love is poured out on sinners in the life, death, and resurrection of your Son, continue to raise us to our new life in You. Amen.