Romans 5:3-8

3And not only this, but [with joy] let us exult in our sufferings and rejoice in our hardships, knowing that hardship (distress, pressure, trouble) produces patient endurance;

4and endurance, proven character (spiritual maturity); and proven character, hope and confident assurance [of eternal salvation].

5Such hope [in God’s promises] never disappoints us, because God’s love has been abundantly poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

6While we were still helpless [powerless to provide for our salvation], at the right time Christ died [as a substitute] for the ungodly.

7Now it is an extraordinary thing for one to willingly give his life even for an upright man, though perhaps for a good man [one who is noble and selfless and worthy] someone might even dare to die.

8But God clearly shows and proves His own love for us, by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.