Notes of Faith March 21, 2026
Pastor’s Pen Pulpit
October 7, 2001
Series: Romans Chapter 5
“JUSTIFICATION PLUS” - continued
Romans 5:10-11
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. And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.
Let’s consider Part II of Justification Plus. Paul has just stated that believers have been delivered forever from the wrath of God because of our justification (being declared righteous) in Christ Jesus.
He now says that while we were still enemies of God, we were reconciled to God through the death of His son (the word reconcile means to change from a state of enmity to a state of friendship). The Greek word is katallasso. Here is the second “much more”.
In verse 10 he tells us much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved (continuously) by His resurrected life. Surely if the death of His Son brought us to God and justified us, how much more will He continue to save us in His resurrected life. This phase of His continuing salvation is seen in His intercessory work at the right hand of God the Father (cf Hebrews 7 and Romans 8:34.) He arose to a brand new life. This is life beyond death. It is life that keeps on saving. This is essentially the message of Romans 6.
What a thrill to know that both the death and life of Jesus Christ constitute the basis of our great salvation. How does this affect the believer? In verse 11 he writes, “not only this but we also exult or rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ through whom we have received the reconciliation.”
Rejoicing is a big plus in our redemption. Rejoicing is a concept that appears prolifically in both old and new testaments. In fact, the one thing that can mar our rejoicing is sin in our lives. Sin pours cold water on the believer’s joy.
So, beloved, rejoicing should be our experience today. If it is not, then let’s examine ourselves. Let’s ask God to show us what is eroding our Christian joy. He will surely answer that prayer. When He shows us let’s confess it and move on in our walk with God - rejoicing! God bless.
Love to you all,
Pastor Charles Covington
The creation of mankind was in sinless perfection. There was communion and fellowship, walking with God. Sin caused separation from God that could only be fixed, corrected, by an act of God. The only satisfactory payment for our sin would be a sinless sacrifice. The Son of God, Jesus, came to earth, lived a perfect and holy human life, then took on all sin of man, that man might be set free from the chains and servitude of sin. Jesus is our Savior, our Redeemer! In Him we have life and that, eternal! Praise Him for the gift of faith to believe, to follow and obey the Lord Jesus Christ. May we be blessed to grow in the grace and knowledge of God and relationship with Him, both now and for all eternity!
Pastor Dale