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Scripture Reading:
Romans 5:9-10 (Revised Standard Version)
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9 Since, therefore, we are now justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God.
10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.
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Thought for the day:
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In the Gospels, we read Jesus saying various parables and He taught using some every day language that everyone could understand. In particular, he used what is know as a ‘fortiori argument’. This means using a strong position to prove another one. E.g. ‘If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!’
I’m sure that when you read our verses today, you can see that Paul is using the same kind of argument. Perhaps you can think of other verses that are set out in this way.
Note also that both verses run in parallel with each other but have a completely different basis for their meaning. Verse 9 is concerning our ‘legal’ standing with God, but verse 10 is more about a ‘relational’ standing with Him. Unfortunately, there are some people who chose to base their lives on the legalistic understanding of what God has done for them. Of course, this is perfectly correct, but if we only hold on to that position, we lose out on the relationship that God wants us to develop as a result of being reconciled.
Over the past few weeks, we have learned that we have been justified. We are no longer condemned by God. We have a right standing with God that is provided entirely by His grace. Not only is that true, but know we are aware that God also loves us! We were His enemies but through the death of Jesus, He has made us friends. This act also, is entirely a result of God’s initiative. He is the one who has brought about our reconciliation. However, as we’ve seen on so many occasions so far, the impartation of faith demands a response on our part. We are expected to obey His commands out of a love relationship that He has provided. Through the work of His Holy Spirit, God will continue to form Christ in us and one day will bring this to completion.
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Prayer and Application:
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In Jeremiah we read that we are the clay and He is the potter. There is a danger that we consider ourselves ‘dumb’ and unable to do anything. The exact opposite is also true, it’s possible for us to think we can do everything without Him. May we hold both things in balance as we praise Him for all He’s doing in us.
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