Go! And Embrace The Power Of Reconciliation - Romans 5:10 Series

Go! And Embrace the Power of Reconciliation - Romans 5:10

Introduction:

We gather today under the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ to explore a profound truth that lies at the heart of our faith—the power of reconciliation. Our guiding Scripture is Romans 5:10 (NLT):

"For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son."

This verse unveils the depth of God's love and the transformative power of reconciliation through Jesus Christ.

Today, we will delve into three pivotal aspects:

The Necessity of Reconciliation

The Means of Reconciliation

The Assurance of Salvation through Christ's Life

May the Holy Spirit illuminate our hearts as we journey through these truths.

1. The Necessity of Reconciliation

Understanding Our Enmity with God:

The term "enemies" in Romans 5:10 is translated from the Greek word ?????? (echthroi), meaning those who are hostile or opposed. This signifies that, due to sin, humanity was in active opposition to God.

Colossians 1:21 (NLT): "This includes you who were once far away from God. You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions."

Our sinful nature alienated us from God, not just passively but as active adversaries. Recognizing this enmity is crucial to understanding our need for reconciliation.

Isaiah 59:2 (NLT): "It’s your sins that have cut you off from God. Because of your sins, he has turned away and will not listen anymore."

Sin creates a chasm between us and God, severing communication and fellowship. Acknowledging this separation is the first step toward seeking restoration.

Imagine a child who, in rebellion, runs away from home, severing ties with loving parents. The parents' hearts ache for the child's return, highlighting the pain of broken relationships. Similarly, our sin caused a rift between us and our Heavenly Father.

Theologian Thomas Chalmers stated, "He who pleadeth for us at God's right hand is omnipotent to save – and willing as He is able."

What a glorious truth Thomas Chalmers captures when he declares, “He who pleadeth for us at God’s right hand is omnipotent to save – and willing as He is able.” This is not just theology—it is hope set ablaze with assurance!

Jesus Christ, seated at the right hand of the Father, is not only able to save because He is all-powerful—omnipotent!—but He is also willing. He is not reluctant, not distant, not indifferent. He intercedes for you and me with both authority and compassion. He has the power to save and the heart to save!

This echoes the glorious truth of Hebrews 7:25 (NLT): “Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf.”

Church, our Saviour is not passive—He is our Advocate, our High Priest, our Intercessor. And He is not only capable but completely committed to our redemption and restoration.

So let your heart rest in this truth: The One who died for you now lives to intercede for you—and He will never fail!

2. The Means of Reconciliation

Christ's Death as the Bridge:

Romans 5:10 emphasizes that our reconciliation was achieved "by the death of his Son." The Greek term ?ata???ss? (katallasso) refers to the exchange or restoration of a relationship, signifying that Christ's sacrifice restored our broken relationship with God.

2 Corinthians 5:18-19 (NLT): "And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them."

God initiated reconciliation through Jesus, not counting our sins against us. This underscores the unmerited nature of His grace.

Ephesians 2:13-16 (NLT): "But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ."

The blood of Christ serves as the means by which we are brought near to God, breaking down the barriers erected by sin.

Consider a debt so enormous that repayment is impossible. A benefactor steps in, pays the debt in full, and restores the debtor's freedom. Christ's death paid our insurmountable debt of sin, granting us reconciliation with God.

John Stott said "Reconciliation is not just the restoration of peace between God and us, but the restoration of peace between us and each other."

John Stott's words illuminate a crucial aspect of the gospel: reconciliation in Christ is not a one-dimensional act. While it indeed restores our relationship with God — broken by sin — it also calls us to be agents of peace with one another. Christ's work of reconciliation, symbolised so powerfully in His cross, bridges the greatest divide there ever was: the gulf between sinful humanity and a holy God. Yet, this reconciliation doesn't stop there. It invites us into a deeper community, where the peace of Christ transforms not only our relationship with God but also with each other.