Romans 5:10-11 (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. 11 So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.
Restored by His Death
I don’t think I will ever comprehend the simple reality that God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for His enemies. This makes no sense to me. How do you even have compassion upon someone who considers you their enemy? How do you love someone whose hate for you is absolute? How do you lay down your life for someone who is murdering you? Pondering these questions leads me quickly to an awe of God. Because these questions that I certainly could not answer in my own heart, God answers with solid, clear actions.
Jesus waded through the hate and into the war within the hearts of all people. All the while he was taking it upon himself and bearing it within himself. He then nailed it to a Roman Cross in his own body and destroyed it. I cannot fully comprehend it. I am certainly unable understand it. But, nonetheless, I am beyond amazed by it.
Saved Through His Life
“If Jesus rose from the dead, then you have to accept all that he said; if he didn’t rise from the dead, then why worry about any of what he said? The issue on which everything hangs is not whether or not you like his teaching but whether or not he rose from the dead.” ― Timothy J. Keller, The Reason for God
The fact that Jesus rose from the dead confirms everything He said and did. His word and works become irrefutable because of the power and validation of His resurrection. The bad news is that if Jesus’ word and ministry is rejected, overlooked, or ignored, we have no hope for this life or the next.
However, the good news is we have a dependable foundation for our lives and faith. We do not have to guess or wonder what God’s desires are for us. We also have no reason to doubt God’s goodness toward us! God loves us and has made the way for our inclusion into His family and His future. That is something worthy of a lifetime given to Him.
Entrance into a Wonderful New Relationship with God!
A wonderful new relationship with God is available to you every single day! There is no need to live in fear and insecurity. There is no longer a necessary weight of guilt and shame to hinder or condemn. Today, if you will release your lesser gods of money, popularity, acceptance, and all that this world and culture loves so blindly, you could then embrace Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Commit your life to Him. Seek Him and find wonders and power beyond your wildest imagination. Because, when that day arrives in your life, you will LIVE for the first time in your existence. And, on that day, you will be able to confidently declare, “God is my friend!”
GRACE!!!
Micheal