Building off of the the theme of our redemption through Christ’s righteousness, the fifth chapter of Romans begins with an invitation – an invitation to rejoice. Paul reminds the church that peace with God has been fully attained (Rom 5:1). We need neither strive nor struggle. Instead, regardless of circumstance, we are able to rejoice. This joy, Paul explains, is finds it’s sure anchor in the hope of the glory of God (Rom 5:2-5). Surpassing every situation and every dynamic, the glory of God is immutable, brilliant, and everlasting. By placing our hope in the sure promise that His glory will prevail, we are able to look at both the present and future through hope with joy. 

Paul expands upon this theme of hope through the context of the deep heart transformation that is received through the cross. He does this first by outlining the depravity of our former, sinful lives. Here Paul reminds the church that a life without Christ offer nothing of value (Rom 5:8). In fact, our failings and brokenness make us, at best, a crooked and empty shell of who we were truly made to be. Sin holds nothing for us. Shame holds nothing for us. Our old selves hold nothing for us. 

Nor do they hold anything against us. Rather, we have peace with God and the entirety of who we were, what we did has been crucified with Christ (Rom 5:1) (Rom 6:6). Paul encourages the church that those old shackles are gone; the chains have been broken (Rom 6:7). The cross provides complete reconciliation, restoration and redemption. Christ died for us and through his sacrifice, we have been saved (Rom 5:18) (Rom 5:8). His righteousness then is the source of our sure and perfect justification before the Father (Rom 5:21). 

By this we take confidence in knowing that grace abounds (Rom 5:20). His profound grace leads us deeper and deeper into the reality of who we were created to be – sons and daughters of God. Our hearts are now found fully under the dominion of Light, governed by the Prince of Peace. Living in this new Kingdom changes everything. Where we are dead to sin, we now are able to walk in newness of life with Jesus (Rom 6:4).

Unity with Christ our King

That last phrase – with Jesus – holds tremendous value, endless implication. We are united with Christ Jesus Himself. Paul writes that this unity is twofold: first in death and then in life (Rom 6:5-7). Our old sin nature is gone. It has been forever defeated by the total victory of the cross just as Christ was crucified and suffered death. Where we are united with Christ in death, we are also united with Him in life (Gal 2:20). Certainly, the power and magnitude of this unity cannot be comprehended. We are forever united with the Risen One. There is no division within this holy unity. Our hearts have been fully and entirely made one with Him. 

While the reality of being unified with Christ is magnificently powerful in and of itself, there’s a deep and precious element of this unity that we should not miss. The unity that we have with God was obtained through Christ’s givenness. He withheld nothing from us through His death on the cross; instead, He gave everything for us (Matt 26:26-28) (John 3:16). It is in the incomprehensible love that He demonstrated as He gave up His life that our unity with Christ is sealed.

Through unity with Christ, the Holy Spirit continually counsels and helps us to walk in greater accord with His heart and will. As we continue to journey with the Lord, He is faithful to lead us into evermore consistent lifestyles of holiness defined by deep connection with His heart. Our faith grows with each step forward.

Here Paul returns to the importance of the obedience of faith. He encourages the Roman church to wholeheartedly pursue righteousness. This is pursuit is not one of striving. It is one of sanctification (Rom 6:19). Where we have been made alive to Christ, the Spirit is at work in us that we may be made evermore into a greater likeness of the Son (Eph 2:5) (2 Cor 3:18). This process of sanctification is one in which fullness of life in Christ is made manifest. We come alive in His love. 

And so, dear saints, ask for a fresh outpouring of God’s love through the Holy Spirit. Let your heart be encouraged and edified as you meditate upon these chapters and the reality that you are forever unified with Christ. You are His; He is yours (Song of Songs 2:16). Find strength in the great depth of that unbreakable bond and step forward with bold obedience into the fullness of life that He graciously has for you.