God Reconciling Us Through the Cross

GOD RECONCILING US THROUGH THE CROSS

Romans 5:8-11

Reconciled: Sunday July 15, 2012

·        Because we are justified by his blood, we are safe from God’s wrath. (v. 9)

o   The blood of Christ fulfilled the OT imagery of sacrifice.

o   The blood of Christ satisfied the wrath of God against sin.

o   The blood of Christ paid our debt so that believers will be saved.

·        If God saved us while we were enemies, he will surely continue to save us as his children. (v. 10)

o   As enemies of God we were saved by Christ’s death.

§  Jesus’ death justified us through his finished work.

§  The Holy Spirit sanctifies us through his ongoing work.

o   As children of God we are saved by Christ’s life.

§  Jesus is our prophet who has given us his words of life.

§  Jesus is our priest who intercedes for us before God’s throne.

§  Jesus is our king who reigns over us as our loving Lord.

·        We should rejoice in God because he has reconciled us to himself. (v. 11)

o   “Reconciliation” is the removal of hostility and the restoration of fellowship.

o   God reconciled us back to him through the work of Jesus.

o   Reconciliation is the source of our peace with God.

§  Our reconciliation is the basis for our mission. (See 2 Cor. 5:18-20)

·        We are God’s ambassadors as we represent God.

·        We are God’s messengers as we carry the gospel.

§  Our reconciliation should ultimately lead to worship. “We Rejoice!”