3 Reasons to Rejoice at Jesus' Death

For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. 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. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

God’s love for us (vv. 6-8)

Romans 5:6–8 ESV

Observations

Reminds us that Jesus was not a victim, but a willing volunteer.

“for” someone = “on behalf of” someone. In their place.

Christians not only celebrate the death of Jesus (like some martyr), but the intentional giving of his life.

Trans: These verses describe what kind of person Jesus died for.

Exegesis & Interpretation

What kind of people did Jesus die for?

Weak (v. 6) - “helpless” - unable to please God .

Ungodly (v. 6) - no reverence towards God.

Sinners (v. 8) - actively rebelling against God

When did Jesus die for them?

While we were still weak (v. 6)

While we were still sinners (v. 8)

At the proper time (v. 6)

The exact time according to God’s plan

According to Paul, is normal or abnormal for someone to die on behalf of weak, ungodly, sinners?

We find our answer in v. 7

Romans 5:7 ESV

For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die—

And this is why v. 8 ought to blow us away

Romans 5:8 ESV

but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Who’s love is being shown here?

God (the Father).

This should shock us. God loved the ungodly so much, God gave his one and only Son to die.

John 3:16 ESV

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

We should rejoice at Christ’s death because it demonstrates God’s love for us.

Application

What great love that Jesus did not come to die for “good people” - he came to die for sinners

God doesn’t “help those who help themselves”

We can’t earn God’s love. He loved us, even when we hated him.

If you hate God right now, you’re in the right place, because Jesus died for people like you.

Trans: Jesus died in our place because he loves us, even when we were “unlovable,” but does this love have any power?

Apologetic point: Jesus clearly went to the cross on purpose - did he accomplish anything, or is he just a loving maniac?

Our Justification (v. 9)

Observations

v. 9 and 10 - An argument from the greater to the lesser.

Ex: If the door is tall enough for me to walk through, then its also tall enough for Tricia to walk through.

Romans 5:9 ESV

Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God.

Exegesis & Interpretation

When Jesus died, his blood did something. What does this verse say his blood did?

“Justified” - to be made righteous before God.

(We should rejoice at Christ’s death because of our Justification)

Jesus didn’t die because we are righteous (v.7), but in order to make us righteous.

The “great exchange”

Blood sacrifice for sin. (Cancels our debt. That makes us sinless, but not righteous)

Christ’s righteousness imputed to us. (Credits our account. We have Jesus’ good record.)

Paul writes, “since we are justified, now we shall be saved from (blank)?

the wrath of God.

Jesus suffered the pains of hell in our place.

Therefore, there is no more wrath left for you.

Application

You can’t clean yourself before coming to God. He has to clean you.

John 13:8 ESV

Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.”

How can I be justified? How can my sins be washed away? How can I be made righteous?

V. 1 - “We have been justified by faith.”

Justification is only true for those who put their faith in Jesus

Trans: Christ’s death had the power to Justify us, but it gets even better.

Our Reconciliation (v. 10-11)

Romans 5:10–11 ESV

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. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

Observations

Another “from greater to lesser” argument.

Exegesis and Interpretation

What did Jesus’ death do for us according to v. 10?

“Reconciled” - to mend a broken relationship

Justification is a legal term, reconciliation is a relational term.

Justification takes away our guilt

Reconciliation takes away our hostility

(We should rejoice at Christ’s death because of our Reconciliation)

When were we reconciled according this verse?

“While we were enemies.”

God makes the first move toward reconciliation.

In order for us to be made friends, Jesus had to be treated like an enemy.

What is the benefit of that reconciliation according to v. 10? (If we are reconciled, then this will also happen...)

“Saved by his life”

Speaking of final salvation.

His life = resurrection life. We will be resurrected too. (More on this next week).

Application

If you have faith in Jesus, then you have been reconciled to God.

That means God is no longer your enemy, but your friend.

If Christ would die for you while you were still his enemy, imagine what he will do for you now that you are his friend!

He’s not going to abandon you.

He has no anger or wrath left for you.

He may discipline you, but its because he loves you!

You will reach the end, the glories of heaven, and you will enjoy being with him forever.

Human reconciliation is sloppy. It takes time. But our reconciliation with God is instant because of the Cross. There is no anger, frustration, or complications left.

Paul’s response to this? (v. 11)

"More than that” - like saying ‘It gets even better’

Romans 5:11 ESV

More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

Illustration: Reaching the summit of a mountain, taking a step back and saying, “Wow, what a beautiful view!”

That’s what Paul is doing with the Cross. That is why he is rejoicing.

That is the same thing we need to do.

If you’re a Christian, the God whom you once hated, you now rejoice in.

But what does it mean to rejoice in God?

Rejoicing In God

We’ve been talking about rejoicing in the “work” of God

But because of his work, we can now rejoice in who he is.

Not only the source of all good, but he is all good

Rejoicing in God isn’t just, “thank you for what you’ve done for me,” it’s coming to the conclusion that:

There is none other like him!

He is a gracious, loving, kind, beautiful, wonderful God!

I belong to him, and he is my reward!

Rejoicing in God is saying: “I love God”

Rejoicing = “boasting” - My God is great!

The sign of a true believer, of a growing believer, is that they not only love what God has done for them, but they love God himself.

It’s the difference between loving a present, and loving the giver of a present.

Loving God himself, does that describe you?

Conclusion

If you are not a Christian, or you are unsure on what you believe - the truth is, you need justification, you need reconciliation. Without it, you are a guilty sinner in the sight of a holy God.

But you can have hope - think about the great love God has shown you in the cross. Believe in Jesus, place your faith in him, and you will be saved.

Christians - When you think about the cross (love, justification, reconciliation), does it cause you to rejoice?