Although Romans 5:1 clearly starts a new section of Paul's letter, it skillfully builds on all that the apostle has already set forth. The example of Abraham, cited in 4:1-22, surely remains dominant in the minds of Paul's audience as they continue to read about the role endurance, character and hope play in the lives of the faithful. But in 5:1-11, Paul becomes primarily concerned with demonstrating how all the spiritual gifts are in fact contained within that one gift that overwhelms all else "justification by faith." Through the gracious gift of Jesus Christ, we now are able to stand in a right relationship with God the gift that backgrounds all other gifts in the Christian life.

Romans 5:1 focuses on the benefits believers enjoy from being "justified by faith." The primary experience o…