“For if while 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.” (Romans 5:10 NASB)
Reconciled
This incredible statement obviously revolves around the term “reconciled” (for you textual scholars, it’s καταλλάσσωkatallasso in the Greek). Notice the word is repeated, in order to emphasize the concept of reconciliation in salvation. Some time back, Dr. Mounce had an excellent insight regarding reconciliation in Paul’s theology:
The transaction took place while we were in a state of hostility toward God (cf. Col 1:21). In 2 Corinthians Paul wrote that God reconciled the world to himself in Christ, yet every person must respond in faith in order for that forgiveness to become effective in his or her case (2 Cor 5:19-20). Reconciliation is a personal relationship; it cannot be a unilateral action on the part of God alone. He has provided forgiveness for all people through the once-for-all death of his Son. Only when that forgiveness is accepted by faith is the compact completed and reconciliation takes place. God’s part is finished; our part is a matter of individual decision. – R.H. Mounce, Romans
“More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”
(Romans 5:11 ESV)
Rejoicing
For those who do respond by faith – the elect of God – reconciliation sparks remarkable joy! Look at this insight from my pulpit team partner, Randall Satchell:
In this short passage from 5:1-11, Paul speaks of the joy we have in God three times. He refers to it in verses 2 and 3, and he brings it out again emphatically in verse 11. In between, he paints a dark portrait of us humans throughout verses 6-10. He says that we were ungodly (6); we were undeserving sinners (7 and 8); we were under wrath, but the blood of Christ has saved us from that wrath (9) and reconciled us to God even though were enemies (10).
And then Paul declares: “More than that we also rejoice in God…” This rejoicing is something beyond thankfulness, beyond mere gratitude. Those emotions naturally flow from any clear understanding of what Christ has done. This is super-natural! This is joy in our spirit singing to God through his Spirit in us. This is the joy that we find in a future hope of the glory of God (2). And this is the only joy we find even in suffering (3).
So, dear friends, let’s rejoice! In all things, even as we work or weep or wonder or wander, let’s rejoice because we who trust Jesus have been reconciled to God.