Exploring Romans

What is Reconciliation?

Romans 5:1–11 NKJV

1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. 6 For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. 10 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. 11 And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.

Verses 1-5 could have really been added to last weeks message because it continues on the subjects of Faith and Hope. but listen to what it says about hope. “Hope does not Disappoint” or IOW “putt to shame”. Simply put Hope that is placed in God does not let you down.

Now to get to Paul’s next subject. in verse 6 Paul begins to talk about our spiritual condition during the time of God’s divine provision of salvation.

He writes, “For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.”

For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

Whether we admit it or not we were without strength before Christ.

It doesn’t matter how strong you think you were without Christ, you were extremely weak. I like the old song that say “ I Can’t Even Walk Without You Holding My Hand”.

It was in due time.

I want to remind you tonight that there is a due time or season for your miracle. if you’ve been waiting for what seems like too long just keep waiting for says that in due season you shall reap if you faint not.

Verse 6 says:

Christ died for the ungodly.

I think we forget to often that God didn’t die for the perfect, holy, spotless, sinless, and wonderful people. Quite contrary He died for the sinful, shameful, greedy, nasty, corrupt and perverse people.

Illustration: My trip to Harrison Landing.

God want us to remember that Jesus died for those folks to be reconciled as well.

Verse 7 says: For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die.

For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die.

People don’t sacrifice their lives for a right cause usually.

People occasionally sacrifice their lives for Good people.

It’s a little easier to be brave when you’re defending someone you love.

Verse 8 says: But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Let me ask you this today…when was the last time you demonstrated your love for others? Or even better when was the last time you demonstrated your love for God?

God Showed His love with evidence by sending His Son to die for us.

Notice He didn’t wait until we were Righteous or even good. Jesus died for us while we were STILL sinners.

This should change our perspective of forgiveness.

We don’t have to wait until people are right or even good before we do our part to Reconcile our relationships.

Verse 9 says: Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.

Paul distinguishes between Justified and being saved in this verse.

Justified means to be made right

Saved means to be kept safe or even Rescued.

So Jesus rescued us from wrath

Verse 10 says: 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.

We were considered God’s enemies yet He reconciled us to Himself

What does it mean to be reconciled?

Reconcile means to bring into friendship or relationship, and to except with pleasure.

It also means to make Compatible

So God extended His hand to make us compatible with Him and bring us into a relationship with him.

There are people I know that I have a relationship with that I don’t consider friends.

By Jesus’s death we have been made compatible but by his life we are rescued.

Verse 11 says: And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.

Have you been Reconciled?

If so it’s time to start reconciling others.

2 Corinthians 5:19–21 NKJV

19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. 21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Romans 5:1-11

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2 Corinthians 5