Tuesday, 30 April 2013
For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. Romans 5:10
“For” again begins Paul’s thought. He is reasserting and building on what was just noted. There was a time when we were enemies of God, but Christ came and reconciled us to Him. Reconciliation isn’t something that God needs from us, it is something that we need from God. We were reconciled “to” God through the death of His son. The enmity was ended and the hostility ceased.
Imagine a battle-line where there is an overwhelming attacking power facing a weak and defenseless one. There is only the expectation of complete annihilation of the weak forces; their doom is assured and they will be utterly swept away. But when the crisis was at the moment of completion, the hostilities cease and the commander of the attacking forces steps forward and lays his weapons of destruction down in the presence of the astonished defenders. He calls out, “We are offering you peace.”
This is the state we were in. There was absolutely no hope. We were on a one way avenue to destruction when God stepped in and offered us terms of peace; He offered Jesus. Now think it through… if we were enemies in this situation and He did this because of His own goodness and benevolence by offering His Son, then how “much more, having be reconciled” shall we be saved by His life.
In other words, and without muddying the waters with any other issue or verse – we are eternally saved. Why would God allow Christ to go through all of the torture of the cross, thus offering us peace and reconciliation, just to turn and condemn us after we accepted the terms? It is inconceivable and such a notion diminishes the glory, the majesty, and the reliability of the work of Christ. In Christ, there is the sure hope of eternal salvation, not eternal insecurity.
Life application: Take time today to read the theology of the church or denomination that you attend. If they teach that you can lose your salvation, you need to make new arrangements for your worship. The efficacy of the cross of Christ is complete and eternal. Why would you attend where such a glorious hope is traded for bondage and insecurity?
Heavenly Father, the battle lines were set and I was on the wrong side, ready to be crushed. But You sent terms of peace and reconciliation. Jesus stepped forward and offered Himself to end the hostilities. The greater Force took the initiative. How could I turn from such wonder and goodness? I accept the offer, I receive the peace. Thank You for Jesus. Amen.