Yesterday I preached from Romans 5:9-11 in our series through Romans. The focus of the text was on Jesus Christ as our Savior. In the previous text (Romans 5:6-8) we explored Jesus as our substitute. In this rich section of Romans, we see the work of Christ in bringing us to God and reconciling us to the Father through the ministry of his blood.
As we consider the work of Jesus to save us from the penalty of sin – we would do well to pause and rejoice. Far too often we enjoy the benefits of salvation without the joy that should go alongside it in our hearts. We often talk of being saved without the joy of salvation that should flood our hearts and minds through Christ. So, how did Jesus save us?
First of all, Jesus provided our justification by his death. The word “justification” is linked to Jesus’ blood. The point is, we were in a state of sin as the enemies of God and stood in need of justification. We were condemned, guilty, and vile sinners who had offended the sovereign God who created the entire world. Yet, through the ministry of Jesus a great exchange took place. Through the death of Jesus, God took our sins and placed them on his Son and then took his Son’s righteousness and placed it upon us which delivered us from the wrath of God.
We were made just through the just system of God’s justice system. Our sins were not swept under the rug, they were paid for by the crushing blow of Jesus’ death. Yet, we must remember that we were under the wrath of God. The text doesn’t say that we were under the wrath of Satan or the wrath of the devil. It says that we were in danger of God’s wrath. In an age where people fear the devil, it would be far better for people to fear God (Matt. 10:28). Too many people view salvation as being saved from sin or from the devil. The truth is, salvation is being saved from God, by God, and for the glory of God.
Secondly, Jesus saved us through his resurrection. It’s through the ministry of his resurrection that Jesus reconciled us to God. Through the resurrection of Jesus, he did something that Mohammad or Joseph Smith were capable of doing. Jesus predicted his own resurrection (John 2:19) and then on the third day—he walked out of the tomb after the brutal Roman crucifixion. Impossible—yet factual. This is illogical, but confirmed. And it was through this miracle of the resurrection that Jesus proved he is God and is also able to reconcile guilty sinners to God.
Hebrews 7:25 – Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.
Take a moment and examine yourself. Do you have the joy of salvation provided by Jesus? If not, could it be that you are seeking joy from the world and finding yourself consistently disappointed? According to the Bible, all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory (Rom. 3:23). We deserve the wrath of God (Rom. 6:23; Rom. 1:18; 5:9). Yet, anyone who calls upon the Lord for salvation will be saved and will experience the joy of reconciliation.
- Do you recall how Jesus saved you? Do you remember what a burden was lifted from your shoulders the moment you repented of your sin and trusted in his saving grace?
- Does the death of Jesus and his resurrection provide you with consistent joy?
- If you don’t have joy through Jesus and peace with God — why not bow to him today and call upon the Lord for salvation?
