Romans 5

v1-5: The benefits and privileges that flow from justification are so precious that we should "make sure that we ourselves are justified." God cannot be at peace with sinners, while we are under the guilt of sin.  A benefit that flows from justification is peace, because justification takes away our guilt.  This peace is not just a "cessation of enmity; there is friendship and unfailing love."

v6-8: When Christ died for us, we "were not only helpless and therefore likely to perish but also guilty and sinful and therefore deserving to perish, not only lowly and worthless but also evil and repugnant, unworthy of such favour with the holy God."  Christ died for sinners, for "those who were neither righteous nor good, who were not only useless but also guilty and repugnant, who would not only not be missed if they perished, but also whose destruction would greatly contribute to the glory of God’s justice, since they were evildoers and criminals who should die."

v9-11: The result of Christ's death is justification and reconciliation. "Sin is forgiven, the sinner accepted as righteous, the quarrel dealt with, hostility brought to an end, sin dealt with, and eternal righteousness brought in."  When the thing that hinders our salvation is taken away, salvation must follow, and this salvation is "from wrath, from hell and condemnation."

v12-21: Jesus, "the second Adam has a much greater power to make us happy than the first had to make us miserable."  When Adam failed, we failed with him, and his disobedience ruined us.  When Christ accomplished, he accomplished for us and his obedience saves us.  "Through Christ and his righteousness we are entitled to and given more and greater privileges than we ever lost through the offence of Adam.  The salve is wider than the wound, and it is more healing than the wound is killing."