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The words contain a golden chain of highest blessings bestowed by God upon all true Christians. Notice —

I. THE DIVINE METHOD OF SALVATION.

1. Faith in Christ removes the condemnation. It means both a general trust in God's revelations and grace, and a special trust in Christ as given by the Father's love to be the Redeemer of His people. Understanding, will, affections, risking their all upon Him. Justification is not perfection. Not justified by the law of innocency, or of Moses, but by the law of Christ — "who died for our sins," and "was raised again for our justification."

2. Faith in Christ brings the believer into close communion with the Father. "By whom also we have access," etc. They are reconciled, and in a State of love and friendship. Since man once sinned, God's justice and man's conscience tell us that we are unfit for God's acceptance or communion immediately, but must have a suitable mediator. Blessed be God for a "daysman" appointed betwixt us and Himself! Without Him I dare not pray, I cannot hope, I fear to die; God would else frown me away to misery. All the hope and pardon that I have, come by this Author and Finisher of our faith:(1) This is joyous intercourse — "Peace with God."(2) It opens up a bright future. "And rejoice in hope of the glory of God."

3. Faith in Christ strengthens the child of God in tribulation. "Not only so, but," etc. The glory revealed unto us is so transcendent, and tribulation so small and short, that an expectant of glory may well rejoice in spite of bodily sufferings. It is tribulation for Christ and righteousness' sake that we are to glory in; tribulation for our sins must be patiently and penitently born.

(1) "Knowing that tribulation worketh patience." That which worketh patience should be a matter of joy; for patience can do more good for us than tribulation can harm. Why then do I complain under suffering, and study so little the exercise of patience?

(2) "And patience experience, and experience hope." What profitable experiences are to be derived from patient suffering! Of God's providence, of our own dependence upon a higher power, of the fickleness of human friendship, etc.

(3) "And hope maketh not ashamed." That is, true hope of what God hath promised shall never be disappointed. They that trust in deceitful creatures are disappointed and ashamed of their hope; but God is true and ever faithful. All this shows the superiority of a free spirit over carnal weapons.

II. THE INDWELLING OF THE HOLY GHOST IS THE SOURCE OF ALL EXCELLENCY IN THE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER.

1. By the "love of God shed abroad" is meant —

(1) The realisation of Divine life in the soul.

(2) The sweet experiences arising from the absence of doubts and fears.

(3) It leads God's adopted children to love one another:

2. The Spirit within —

(1) Is helpful to overcome temptation. "When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him."(2) Mortifies the fleshly lusts that war against the soul. The desperately wicked heart is a hotbed of lusts and passions that require to be weeded, else they will choke the germs of the good seed. We cannot serve God and Mammon.

3. Points to a future life, and proves our title to it. There are some so blind as to think that man shall have no hereafter, because brutes have not. But it is enough for us to know that God hath promised it; and let it be our earnest prayer, "Shed more abroad upon my heart, by the Holy Spirit, that love of Thine which will draw up my longing soul to Thee, rejoicing in the hope of the glory of God."

(Richard Baxter.)

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KJV: Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

WEB: Being therefore justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ;