Reconciled!

Reconciled!

Therefore, since we have been justified [that is, acquitted of sin, declared blameless before God] by faith, [let us grasp the fact that] we have peace with God [and the joy of reconciliation with Him] through our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed). Romans 5:1 AMP

The Inspiration:

The verse starts with a conclusion first, before it leads to the benefits attached to this conclusion. It does no good if I pray over and over for the benefits, but do nothing about the conclusion. Reading the verses just before today's extract lays out the futility of trusting in good works alone. It is great to be known for acts of kindness and charity, but as it has been laid out above, the conclusions behind my actions matter. I could not have paid for the acquittal from sin that I received from God, because in line with the righteous nature of God, there was nothing in me that could. Good works couldn't; my bank account balance would not be sufficient. Only the precious blood of Jesus, born free from the shackles and biological connection of sin, could provide the perfect offering, sacrifice and price for sin. That is justification.

The Contention:

I am made just, simply because the just God made a way for me to return to Him. Death is the natural consequence for sin, but the One who knew no sin became sin for us, took on the punishment we should have been given, and then fully paid the price with his life. We now have been totally cleansed from the power of sin, as long as we rely totally on the gift of life that has been given. If we could not offer any precious possession of ours in order to secure this gift, then we cannot boast of anything we may have done to deserve it. If indeed it has nothing to do with what I have, then it means all that counts is simple faith in the finished work of Jesus on the cross. Faith is key to this process, and because it is not something I can process with my physical senses, I have to live daily, trusting that the sacrifice of Jesus is sufficient for me.

The Conclusion

The benefits then follow. How would I lay claim to the benefits of peace if the Prince of peace does not own and hold my heart? How can I lay claim to eternal life with God, when the eternal God does not rule in my heart on a regular basis? That which Jesus did has reconciled me to God, and provided a way for me to approach God without the need for an earthly intermediary. I don't need the blood of bulls or goats anymore; that which was shed for me is sufficient for all time. Having died and rose again, Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life, and all who may approach God must come through Him. God has made that clear in His Word, and His Word cannot be broken. He can be trusted to keep His Word, and all He has promised here will be mine if I come in faith, accepting Jesus as Lord and Saviour and living in that reality on a daily basis. That is all that counts. God's time of favour is here.