While we were yet enemies . . .

[ManFromMaqua]

Paul wrote (which is recorded in Romans 5:10) - "For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life."

It seems, by this verse, that there is a difference between "being reconciled to God" and being "saved".

If Christ's death on the cross reconciled us to God, even while we were enemies with God. Then, that is a pure act of God making us right with Him, by the death of His Son, without any participation on our part.

This being said - now being reconciled to God - we must partake in something else to bring ourselves into the realization of this fact. That belief in what has already taken place. So, it is not that we become reconciled by our belief in Christ, but realize that we are already reconciled to God through our belief. Thus making us saved or healed in the physical realm by understanding what has taken place in the spiritual realm already.

So I would think that it would seem that Christ death on the cross did take away the sins of the world . . . and that through the shed blood of Christ he made all things new to all of mankind.

What are some of your thoughts on this? I am truly interested on what others may think of my reasoning or if someone can help me see things more clearly.

 

[bleechers]

Paul wrote (which is recorded in Romans 5:10) - "For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life."

What are some of your thoughts on this? I am truly interested on what others may think of my reasoning or if someone can help me see things more clearly.

I believe that this verse is in context to justification. I believe it teaches the fullness of Christ's atonement apart from any law-keeping before or after salvation. I believe it is strong statement for eternal security.

Romans 5
8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

We have "received" the atonement (past tense) and if Christ justified us while we His enemies, how "much more then" are we secure and shielded (saved) from His wrath.

If His death on the cross served as an atonement for wicked sinners, how "much more then" is His current life in the presence of the Father sufficient for believers washed in His blood.

Romans 5
18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.
19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.

This just reiterates the point. Christ's righteousness is sufficient for the "free gift" of justification.