Romans 5:9-10 - Homiletics

Reconciliation and salvation.

God's love to man has its expression and proof in the gift of Christ. In what way does this gift enrich and bless those for whom it is intended? The apostle answers this question in these two verses. By Christ's death his people are reconciled to him, and by Christ's life they are saved.

I. THE PRIVILEGES OF CHRIST 'S PEOPLE IN THE PRESENT ,

1. These are described here, in one verse as justification, and in the other as reconciliation. The first term implies that there takes place, in the case of those who believe, a "reversal" of the sentence of condemnation. Those who were guilty before God are accepted; those who were judged by law are now received into favour. The second term implies that a state of enmity has been replaced by a state of friendship and concord. Those who were in arms against God, and towards whom a righteous Ruler could not turn a look of complacency, are now pardoned, submissive, obedient, and at peace with Heaven. It is the same change presented in different lights.

2. By what means is this state of privilege secured for the people of the Lord? The means are described in one verse as the blood, in the other as the death, of Christ. The same thing is intended by the two expressions, the shedding of blood being equivalent to the taking of life. The language evidently points back to those sacrifices which were, by Divine appointment, offered under the old covenant. Jesus, the Mediator, was both the Victim and the Priest; he offered himself to the Father for us. "Without shedding of blood is no remission of sin;" a great principle this in the government of God; pardon and salvation are secured through suffering and sacrifice and devotion. The blood is the emblem of the life, and consequently the blood-shedding is emblematical, in the case of our Lord, of his willing surrender of himself, his life, with a view to redeem a sinful and guilty race.

II. THE PROSPECTS OF CHRIST 'S PEOPLE IN THE FUTURE . 1, What have they to look forward to? The answer of the text is salvation. Justification is an act of God; salvation seems to be a process, to be commenced here and perfected hereafter. "Now is salvation nearer to you than when you first believed." There are many ills, trials, temptations, from which Christians have yet to be delivered; and only when beyond this world can their salvation (however now perfectly assured ) be regarded as actually accomplished.

2. From what do Christians expect to be saved? From wrath; by which is to be understood the displeasure and indignation which the righteous Ruler cannot but feel against sin and sinners, and which will be manifested in the future punishment of the ungodly, impenitent, and unbelieving.

3. By what means do Christians hope to be saved from wrath? By Christ's life. His death is represented as the means of present acceptance, his life as the means of future salvation. By Christ's life is to be understood his life after his crucifixion and entombment—the life which now is and will be for ever. The connection between our Saviour's heavenly life and our salvation is unmistakable and binding. His resurrection was the assurance that his mediation was accepted. His ascension and life above are the condition of his sympathetic intercession and his mediatorial reign. His presence on the throne of heaven is the pledge of our immortal fellowship with him. "Because! live, ye shall live also."

III. Notice THE ARGUMENT FROM THE GREATER TO THE LESS , It is the greatest marvel of the universe, the central mystery of revelation, that God, in Christ, converted foes and rebels into friends and subjects. If we can receive this, we need have no hesitation in receiving the supplementary doctrine that God will eternally save those whom he has graciously justified. If enemies are reconciled, surely friends shall be saved!