LESSON 1 — Justified by Faith

Scripture: Romans 5:1–11

Lesson Overview

This lesson introduces the foundation of the Christian life: justification by faith. Paul explains how believers are made right with God—not by works, but through faith in Jesus Christ. This justification results in peace, hope, and confidence in God’s love.

In-Depth Teaching

1. What Does “Justified” Mean?

To be justified means to be declared righteous before God. It is a legal term, not a moral improvement process. God declares believers righteous because of Christ’s finished work on the cross.

• Justification is instant, not gradual

• It is based on faith, not performance

• It restores our relationship with God

Romans 5:1 teaches that justification leads to peace with God, meaning the hostility caused by sin has been removed.

2. Access to Grace

Paul explains that believers now “stand in grace.” This means:

• Grace is not temporary

• Grace is our new position

• We do not fall in and out of grace

This produces confidence, not fear.

3. Suffering and Spiritual Growth

Romans 5:3–5 introduces a surprising truth: suffering is not meaningless.

Paul outlines a progression:

• Suffering → Endurance

• Endurance → Character

• Character → Hope

Christian hope is not wishful thinking—it is a confident expectation rooted in God’s faithfulness.

4. God’s Love Proven at the Cross

Romans 5:8 reveals the heart of the Gospel:

Christ died for us while we were still sinners.

God did not wait for us to improve. The cross proves that salvation is driven by God’s love, not human worthiness.

Application & Reflection

• Are you resting in peace with God or striving to earn His approval?

• How does understanding justification change how you face hardship?