Many people know that Christianity teaches forgiveness through Jesus. But once you become a Christian, what actually changes?
What do you gain by following Jesus?
Romans 5 answers that question powerfully. After explaining that salvation comes through faith – not by earning God’s approval – the apostle Paul shifts his focus. Instead of asking how we are saved, he explains what life looks like because we are saved.
The answer is much bigger than many people realize.
Following Jesus isn’t simply accepting a plan for eternity. It’s beginning a relationship with a person who changes your life today.
The Gospel Is More Than a Plan
Sometimes people talk about Christianity as though it’s a formula.
Believe the right things. Pray the right prayer. Go to church. Try to live a better life.
But Romans 5 continually points us back to one person: Jesus.
The gospel isn’t simply good advice or a religious system. The gospel is Jesus Himself.
Christianity isn’t centered on a list of steps. It’s centered on a Savior. That distinction matters because relationships change people in ways rules never can.
Jesus didn’t simply come to give us information.
He came to restore our relationship with God.
1. You Gain Peace with God
One of the first promises in Romans 5 is peace.
Before Christ, sin separated humanity from God.
The Bible describes that separation as hostility between our Creator and us.
Through Jesus, that conflict ends.
Peace with God doesn’t mean life suddenly becomes easy.
It means the greatest conflict in our lives has already been resolved.
Instead of standing opposed to God, we are welcomed into His family.
That peace becomes the foundation for everything else God wants to do in our lives.
2. You Gain Access to God
Romans 5 also teaches that through Jesus we have access to God’s presence.
Think about how many doors in life remain closed.
Opportunities.
Relationships.
Dreams.
Yet the greatest door of all—the door to God Himself—has been opened through Christ.
Because of Jesus, we don’t have to wonder whether God hears us.
We can pray with confidence.
We can approach Him honestly.
We can experience His grace every day.
This isn’t something we’ve earned.
It’s a gift made possible through Jesus.
3. You Gain Strength to Persevere
One of the most surprising truths in Romans 5 is that following Jesus doesn’t eliminate hardship.
Christians still experience loss.
Disappointment.
Pain.
Uncertainty.
The difference is that suffering no longer has the final word.
God uses difficult seasons to shape our character and deepen our hope.
Trials become opportunities for growth instead of reasons to give up.
That doesn’t make suffering enjoyable.
But it does make it meaningful.
When we trust God through difficult moments, He develops perseverance, maturity, and confidence that He is still working—even when life feels uncertain.
4. You Gain a New Relationship with God
Perhaps the greatest promise in Romans 5 is that our relationship with God changes completely.
Instead of remaining separated by sin, we are welcomed into friendship with Him.
Think about that for a moment.
The Creator of the universe doesn’t simply tolerate us.
He invites us into relationship.
Christianity isn’t about trying harder to earn God’s attention.
It’s about responding to the invitation He’s already extended through Jesus.
God wants to know you personally.
Not as a distant observer.
Not as someone reluctantly accepted.
But as someone deeply loved.
Is Your Faith Personal?
It’s possible to know facts about Jesus without actually knowing Him.
Many people believe Christianity is true. Far fewer have developed a genuine relationship with Christ.
Romans 5 reminds us that the gospel is personal because Jesus is personal. He came for people – not simply to establish a religion. He came to restore what sin had broken.
If you’ve never responded to that invitation, today is a wonderful opportunity to begin.
And if you’ve drifted from your relationship with God, remember that He has never stopped pursuing you.
Following Jesus isn’t about becoming perfect. It’s about walking with the One who loves you perfectly. That’s the greatest gain of all.
If you’re searching for a church where you can ask questions, grow in your faith, and build meaningful relationships, we’d love to meet you.
Join us at Quest Church in Grovetown, Georgia, every Sunday at 9:00 AM or 11:00 AM.
Whether you’ve followed Jesus for years or you’re just beginning to explore faith, there’s a place for you here.
Plan your visit today and experience what God is doing at Quest Church.
Read
Chapter 4
Questions
- Pastor John said that “Faith, at its core, is believing God.” He talked about how “believing in God” is different than “believing God.” How did you feel when you heard this? Do you agree? Why or why not?
- Pastor John said that Abraham believed God was not only a “Promise Maker” but a “Promise Keeper.” What are some promises you believe God has made that you, by faith, are waiting for Him to keep?
- Where do you struggle to “believe God” the most? Be specific. Spend a few moments in prayer, sharing this with God and asking for His help.
- Read Romans 4. After reading, how would you define faith based on what Paul said in this chapter?