5:1 justified by faith. We are “justified by His blood” (Romans 5:9), “justified freely by His grace” (Romans 3:24), “justified by faith” (Romans 5:1)—all in relation to God—then, “justified by works” (James 2:21), in relation to men.

5:1 peace with God. Paul opens his epistles with a salutation conveying “peace from God” (e.g., Romans 1:7), then assures them of “peace with God” (Romans 5:1), culminating in the “peace of God” (Colossians 3:15) ruling in their hearts.

5:3 glory in tribulations. “Glory” is the same Greek word as “rejoice” in Romans 5:2 and “joy” in Romans 5:11. It is also translated “boast” elsewhere. Christians not only can endure tribulations, but can learn to consider it a privilege to suffer for Christ’s sake (Philippians 1:29; I Peter 4:12-14). This in itself is a testimony to the reality of the Christian gospel.

5:9 Much more. Note the “much mores” associated with our position and life in Christ (Romans 5:9,10,15,17,20).

5:9 by his blood. Some theologians have argued that the shed “blood” of Christ is irrelevant in salvation and that it is merely a metaphor for His “death.” This is wrong. Had Christ died in some fashion not requiring the pouring out of his life-blood, His death in itself was not enough, for “without shedding of blood is no remission” (Hebrews 9:22), since “the life of the flesh is in the blood” (Leviticus 17:11). His blood is infinitely “precious” (I Peter 1:19). We are “justified by His blood” and saved “through faith in His blood” (Romans 3:25), having “redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins” (Ephesians 1:7). Its efficacy will never lose its power, for it is “the blood of the everlasting covenant” (Hebrews 13:20).