Romans 5

There are a multiplicity of truths presented in Romans 5.  Up to this point in Romans, Paul has presented an argument to us that all mankind has rebelled against God and is hopelessly lost if left to their own devices.  He then demonstrated that redemption from this sin comes only through faith in Jesus Christ, not the Law of Moses.  Abraham, born 500 before the Law, was Paul’s poster child for justification by faith and not by works.  Paul continues to weave the themes of sin, faith, and grace in this chapter but he introduces a new concept that he has not mentioned yet into his detailed explanation of the Gospel: the Love of God.  In verses 6-10 we have an amazing display of God’s love for us. 

Rom. 5:6 For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.

Rom. 5:7 For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die.

Rom. 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Rom. 5:9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrathof Godthrough Him.

Rom. 5:10 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.

I want you to notice the words Paul used to describe humanity (i.e., us); notice the progression from bad to worse: 

            V:6  Helpless(some translations say “weak”), and ungodly

            V: 8 sinners.

            V:10 enemies  of God.

Then notice what God did for us and why:

            V:6 Christ died for us

            V:8 His death was a demonstration of God’s love

            V:9  Justified by his blood (i.e., his death)

            V:10 Reconciled to God by Jesus death

What an amazing God we have!!  Go back and read Romans 3:12-17, which is probably the most vivid description of the sinful nature of mankind. It could be summarized as “humans have a vile disgust for God and his righteousness.”  That is why Paul calls us “enemies” here in 5:10.  But what is God’s attitude for His enemies? He loves them with a dying love.  Yes, I said a dying love.  Jesus died for us as a demonstration of God’s love.  Stop and contemplate that for a moment.  What an amazing salvation we have been given!! God loves His enemies so much that He sent His son to dies for their sins in order to save them.  What is your response to this incredible Gospel?