ROMANS 5:9-11 MUCH MORE The great cost of declaring us righteous by the shedding of the blood of Christ, the giving of life, has been accomplished. This is a work that has been done and nothing will nor ever can be added to it. Christ has died for us "while we were yet sinners." Now, "much more" will we as believers be saved from coming wrath through Christ. The coming judgment holds no fears for us because of the blood that has bought our redemption, is the basis of us being counted righteous.
God's "wrath" against sin is to be differentiated from how He looks upon sinners. God loved us even when we were in our sins. God's "wrath" against sin isn't to be regarded as if God is angry in the way we use the word. It was not punishment that is personal against the sinner, but righteous wrath against sin, that Christ endured. "The soul (sinner) that sinneth, it shall die," tells us we cannot come near to God, not because God hates us, but because God is holy. Christ died that we who were separated and forsaken under the wrath of God, would have One who could take the judgment and wrath of God for me.
The pain and suffering, the agonies of Christ, were not for each of our sins, but He laid down His life for us. That is far greater than the suffering of agony. He took the place of the sinner that we might be reconciled to God through Him. The sufferings Christ endured were great, but far more important is the One who suffered
- the Great Sacrifice, who laid down His life in a deliberate act of God's will so that we could be brought to God. Now the coming "wrath" of judgment has no claim on us and should not affect our calmness and assurance, because we have been reconciled to God. That has already taken place.
"Now, "much more," or added to that great work of reconciling us to God by Christ's death, we are saved by His risen life. We will participate with, and share in, His risen life forever. When the judgment of God falls on this wicked world, we shall be saved by His risen life. Christ has met all the demands of God's holiness, His righteousness and His truth when He died. So we are saved now, and will be forever because He who satisfied God is risen and lives forevermore. We have been "delivered from the wrath to come."
Now even more that being saved from wrath because of Christ's death, justified by faith, and saved by the risen Lord, we "joy" (exalt) in God. Instead of our mouths being shut and we being found guilty before God, we are rejoicing in Him. He was our Judge before whom we were found condemned. Now we find our joy in the Lord Jesus Christ because He has accomplished reconciliation with God on our behalf. This is not just a temporary covering over of sin (atonement) but a complete reconciliation. We exalt and honor our Lord Jesus Christ who has done this great work. The Holy God is satisfied and His righteous wrath against sin has been dealt with completely and forever. The condemned sinner has been justified and reconciled to God. This is like a song of praise and glory to God that will be a song in our hearts throughout the ages to come. "Worthy, worthy is the Lamb." All the blessings of God have come to us through our Lord Jesus Christ.
How is it possible to describe such blessing; As being justified freely by Christ's blood? Is there some possible way of addressing; The supreme glories of God's love?
The wonderful word "saved" come to my mind It is one that is inspired by God. In that blessed word I continually find A whole lot of important truths in one word.
Saved from sin because of the redemption paid Brings joy to one who was under sin's guilt. When the Lord upon the Lamb all our sins laid No one else but the Righteous God felt The great weight of the wrath when God did not spare His only Son but delivered Him up for us all. That blessed word "saved" means God really did care For sinners who upon Him for mercy call.
We are saved from wrath that is yet to come - Being saved is an on-going fact. More than being rescued is that which has been done Has a lasting and eternal impact. Judgment that is coming has no claim on those Who have been, by our Lord, to God reconciled. Those who are reconciled really should know, There is no wrath going to fall on God's beloved child.
Higher and higher that word "saved" still reaches. For we have been also saved by Christ's life. Through the risen Savior, God's Word teaches We are raised with Him that we may walk in the light. There is a joy in God that now we have, With which no other joy can compare. This new life in Christ that God graciously gave Means with Christ this life forever we share.
"O Father in heaven; Thou hast surely given me joy here on earth today as I review these blessed truths of salvation, justification and reconciliation. If it would please Thee Father, I would like to pass this joy on to the Lord's people here tonight in the meeting. Maybe this joy could be contagious and would strengthen the saints. I ask this in the precious name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."