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Posts Tagged ‘Romans 05’

“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.” Romans 5:10

God wants to do “much more” than just take us from being enemies to being forgiven. If being “saved” was just about forgiveness this verse would not make sense.

“Salvation” is not something we save up for and wait for like social security, it is a daily experience of the risen1 Jesus; living in the his kingdom now and forever. King David put it this way,

“Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation.” – Psalm 68:19

– fritz
1 – See “Resurrection of the Body” (July 6,2010)

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“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” – Romans 5:1-2 (KJV)

The Gospel is not a life insurance policy and Jesus is not the insurance agent we call only to renew or check our coverage.

Jesus died for the forgiveness of our sins not so we can get to heaven but to remove the barrier (our sins) between us and God so we can live, work, and walk with Him now and forever; heaven is the by-product

This has always been God’s desire.  Notice Adam and Eve:

[Adam and Eve] heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: … And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? – Genesis 3:8a, 9 (KJV)

Walking with God in the garden each day was a common occurrence, unfortunately interrupted by sin.

God’s desire never changed.

He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? – Mica 6:8 (KJV)

Jesus’ parting promise to his disciples was NOT heaven, but living with God; the place may change but the company doesn’t!

“If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” (Jesus – John 14:23 KJV)

Question: How would my living be different if my goal was to live, work, and walk with God now and forever?

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Christians are accused of using the gospel as a form of “Escapism”.

There is “escapism” in the Bible but not the kind usually thought; not escape from problems, difficulties, or struggles – we embrace these.1

God offers escape from the “corruption” it says is in the world through lust; the same term is used elsewhere as “wear and tear” of use.2, 3

[God] has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. – 2nd Peter 1:4 (NIV)

There is a “wear and tear” of just living in this world – sweet children become fodder for COPS, 40 year marriages break apart, once vibrant strong believers lose their first love of Christ.4 It doesn’t have to be this way, God offers escape by using his promises that, when embraced, change our hearts, douses the fires, and lifts the burdens.

– fritz

1 Romans 5:3
2 Colossians 2:22
3 Related Post: Christian Roses – May 13, 2010
4 Revelation 2:4

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