In Romans 3, and especially 4, Paul spoke of faith in the cross bringing about forgiveness of sins, and imputed (credited) righteousness received freely as a gift from Christ–which legally sets sinners into a right standing with God, and dismisses them from being eternally punished in Hell. In Romans 5, however, Paul is speaking of the fruits of the Holy Spirit, or the moral effects and results that faith in the cross brings into the Christian life. Rather than speaking of righteousness in terms of credit or imputation (as in ch. 4), here in ch. 5 he speaks of righteousness as a gift of the Holy Spirit (imparted righteousness): “God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He was given us” (v. 5); and “how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life” (v. 17).

Correction

13:54 – I say, “Romans 6:4-6 comes to mind;” but meant to say, “Hebrews 6:4-6.”