power statement

Every once in a while, in any of Paul's letters to followers of Jesus, he will come out with a power statement.

It usually some sort of enormous truth.

And such is this passage from his letter to the followers of Jesus who lived in Rome, hardly a town known for its virtue ;-)



Romans 5

1 Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, 

we have peace with God 

because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.

2 Because of our faith, 

Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, 

and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God's glory.


  3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, 

for we know that they help us develop endurance.

4 And endurance develops strength of character, 

and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.

5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. 

For we know how dearly God loves us, 

because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.



  6 When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners.

7 Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, 

though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good.

8 But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.

9 And since we have been made right in God's sight by the blood of Christ, 

he will certainly save us from God's condemnation.

10 For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, 

we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son.

11 So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God 

because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.



"friends of God"?

amazing!