Romans 5:6-11
Reflect
If given the opportunity, would you die for an enemy? Personally, I think it would be so “out there”, alien, and unnatural for someone to volunteer to die for their enemy, yet Christ has died for sinners. Every drop of blood that was shed on the cross has its immediate and eternal purpose – God showed us His love so that we’d be saved from the consequences of not knowing Jesus (v8).
Paul, without question, declares our salvation now and forever. God has declared us free of guilt, and righteous by His blood (justified), but He has also saved us through His life as we are no longer hostile towards Him (reconciled). The former focuses on Christ’s death, but the latter focuses on His life!
Paul can rejoice because he is not only positionally (justified), but relationally right with God (reconciled). That’s like having someone clear your debt, and then offering you a relationship that will meet every soul-craving need. Everything that Christ has now belongs to you!
Apply
By knowing that you’re justified and reconciled, how does the love of Christ affect your perspectives, attitudes and priorities?
Are there people in your life that you would like to see come to Christ?
Take some time to pray for them today.
Pastor Nathanael
Pray
- Pray for our Childcare staff, the children and their families this week. Pray for the Director, Kristy Thomas.
- Pray for our Audio/Visual Director, Grant Mix.
- Pray for our Lead Team Pastor, Terry Okken and his family.
- Pray for our Communications Specialist, Katrina Grey.