A.  Paul began his book by stating that the only way to salvation is through 
             the gospel - 1:16-17. 

       B.  To prove the need he shows the world to be lost - 1:18;3:20. 

       C.  Shows God's redemptive grace - 3:21-5:21. 

       D.  IF one is justified (acquitted) by the blood of Jesus, then there are 
             several blessings he can enjoy. 

       E.  Today, let's look at Romans 5:1-11 and reap the great harvest of 
             knowledge and assurance found therein. 

   I.  PEACE WITH GOD - 5:1

       A.  Not subjective peace here. 

            1.  Men can "feel" at peace and not really be at peace with God. 

                 a.  Jere. 6:14. 

                 b.  Isa. 48:18, 22. 

       B.  Peace WITH God is being discussed. 

            1.  Rom. 1:18 - as a sinner, God's wrath (war, anger, hostilities) is 
                 poured out on you. 

            2.  As a Christian, it is not poured out. 

       C.  God's peace is generally misunderstood. 

            1.  Matt. 10:34. 

            2.  John 14:27. 

       D.  O.T. prophets spoke of this peace. 

            1.  Isa. 2 - beat swords into plowshares. 

            2.  Isa. 11 - beast lie down together. 

            3.  Isa. 9:6 - Prince of Peace. 

 II.  ACCESS INTO GRACE - 5:2

       A.  It is possible to have peace with men and not access. 

            1.  2 Sam. 14:18-24 - Absolom - King David 

            2.  Esther 4:9-13. 

                 a.  Married to the king - peace - but no free access. 

       B.  In Jesus we have Peace and Access. 

            1.  Eph. 2:17-18; 3:12. 

            2.  Heb. 4:16... we have the EAR of God Himself. 

 III.  WE CAN REJOICE IN THE HOPE OF THE GLORY OF GOD - 5:2.

       A.  HOPE - a strong desire with an earnest expectation. 

       B.  What is the "Glory of God?" 

            1.  Rom. 8:18 - something we can visually see. 

            2.  Rev. 4 - throne scene - rainbow - see God from any direction. 

            3.  2 Cor. 12 - Paul had privilege to see something words could not 
                 describe - it was unlawful. 

            4.  We will see the glory of Jesus. 

                 a.  He desires that we see Him... John 17:24. 

                 b.  Acts 7 - Stephen saw a vision of Jesus' glory. 

                 c.  Acts 9 - Saul saw a vision of Jesus. 

                 d.  Matt. 17:2 - Disciples saw Jesus transfigured - (shining in glory). 

            5.  We will share in Jesus' glory. 

                 a.  Col. 3:1-4. 

       C.  What does all of this mean? 

            1.  Phil. 3:20-21 - We will be like Jesus. 

            2.  1 John 3:2. 

 IV.  ABLE TO REJOICE IN TRIBULATIONS - 5:3-10.

       A.  In the midst or process of tribulation we can rejoice. 

            1.  Rom. 5:3-5; James 1:2-4. 

            2.  Matt. 5:10-12. 

            3.  Acts 5:41 - every time apostles under pressure - rejoiced. 

            4.  2 Cor. 4:17. 

       B.  How can this be? 

            1.  Because you know something:  (When you suffer you get to know 
                 yourself better.) 

            2. Because something is working:  Because you have been through the 
                trials, you know you can make it. 

   V.  ABLE TO REJOICE IN GOD HIMSELF - 5:11.

       A.  Because of what He has done for me. 

            1.  Justification by Jesus' blood. 

            2.  Full assurance of salvation. 

            3.  Expectation to live forever in MY Body. 

            4.  He has loved and helped me "much more" if I will just stay with Him. 

   CONCLUSION: