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NASB | Romans 5:4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Romans 5:4 and endurance, proven character (spiritual maturity); and proven character, hope and confident assurance [of eternal salvation]. |
Bible Question:
As a relatively new Christian I stll get confused in our role vs. God's role in 1)our salvation 2) our growth in Jesus...particularly the latter. Here Paul seems to me to be talking about character issues (character is mostly our efforts, right?) at the very HEART of his "free gift" emphasis in Romans. The placement is what I find fascinating. Any insights on what Paul is trying to tell us. Is there a nuance/tension being brought out here??? |
Bible Answer: The theme of Romans 5 is our right standing before God accessed by faith, thru grace, paid for by the blood of Jesus. Rom_5:1-2 says that we are not only justified by God’s grace which we access by faith, but that our standing before God will always be “maintained” by the same grace. Our walk with the Lord started by an act of grace and will continue to grow by having access to the same grace. In Gal_3:3 we are warned against the notion that any work in the Spirit can be improved upon by any works of the flesh. We now have peace with God (Rom_5:1) and the battle between God and us is over. God is not keeping score and Jesus has satisfied all our requirements to stand before God in approval, peace, and favor. Standing in grace means we can focus on praising God and not having to worry about improving our position with God, hoping He will love and approve of us more. Our account with God is settled, fully paid by Jesus! As far as our character being improved, I remember what my mom told me growing up “Son, if you want to improve your character, watch who you hang out with.” Hang out with Jesus in the Word, in prayer, and in fellowship, and our character will automatically be improved! This is something a Christian will do out of love for God, not obligation. Gal 3:3 ...Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh? May God bless you as you grow in Him! retxar |
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Questions and/or Subjects for Rom 5:4 | Author | ||
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billk | ||
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retxar | ||
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leonore | ||
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lorenzosjb |