Romans 5: 1-11  We, who believe in Jesus Christ.. that He died for our sins.. that He rose again.. demonstrating the righteousness of God, and that God reckons our faith as righteousness.. now "have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."   We have an "introduction".. or admission "into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God." (v1-2) 

But, this is just the beginning of what God intends for us who belong to Him! "And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations.. " What!?  Yes.. that's right. He said "exult"... leap for joy? rejoice greatly? be jubilant and triumphant? Glory in our tribulations? 

Yes, because.. Paul writes, ".. knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." (v3-5) Paul will get back to that theme in chapter 8.. but before that... 

He wants us to think about what Jesus has already done for us.. "For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.. But God demonstrates His own love for us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (v6,8)  We were helpless. We were sinners. We were without hope.. until Jesus came and died for us.. in our place.. for our sins. 

However, there is "much more"  that He will do for us who have been "justified"... for "we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him.." (v9)  Paul goes on to say, "For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life." (v10) Reconciled.. changed.. restored.. differences adjusted.. an exchange made.  And then, MORE!  We shall be "saved" - the Greek word here is sozo- delivered; protected;healed;preserved;made whole.  In His death we are justified and reconciled.. but in His life we are saved.. made complete in every way.  

"And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ through whom we have now received the reconciliation." 

Yes, Father, we exult You. We rejoice greatly and leap for joy at the truth of Your Holy Word.. that Jesus Christ died for our justification.. even while we were helpless, hopeless, sinners.. enemies.  How amazing is Your Grace to us! Our hope is in You.. in Your righteousness and glory... in Your grace and mercy!  We give all praise to Your Name.  Thank You Jesus for giving us this wonderful peace with God our Father, for providing the Way for us to be reconciled and saved from the wrath that we deserved. Thank You for giving to us even more than we could ask or imagine.. for we didn't even know to ask for such mercy and grace.. and You gave it to us anyway.  You are a great God and You love us so.. Words are not enough to thank You.  We love You. Hallelujah and Amen!