Romans 5. When I read a chapter in my early morning devotional, sometimes a word jumps out at me. Usually, it is a word that is repeated several times, often indicating that this is one theme of that passage. As I read Romans 5, the word reconciled stands out to me.

For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, how much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. (5:10-11)

We were once enemies of God and separated from a relationship with Him. Romans 5 tells us we were ungodly, unrighteous, under judgment, disobedient, condemned, and under the reign of death. This has been the situation of humankind since the fall of Adam way back at the beginning in Genesis 3. Adam started it and we have continued in it. The way out of the mess is highlighted in Romans 5:12-21 where the one man’s disobedience [Adam] the many were made sinners, so by one man’s obedience [Jesus] the many will be made righteous. Through Jesus, salvation and a right relationship with God is available to everyone!

What is the result of our reconciliation with God? We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (5:1). We have peace because the relationship restored. We have an eternal peace because our condemnation for sin has been removed. In Christ we live in a state of peace that transcends our earthly circumstances, no matter how chaotic and disruptive they may feel. In fact, post-resurrection one of the significant commands of Jesus was peace be with you (John 20:19).

Because of reconciliation we also rejoice in hope of the glory of God (5:2) and this hope does not disappoint (5:5). We have an eternal relationship with God, the promise of His presence every day, and a future home in glory. This hope allows us to face the sufferings and sorrows of life in this broken world. Our hope is also a product of suffering, endurance, and building character – as we walk these difficult roads we can rejoice because God is with us.

God has demonstrated his great love for us because Christ died for us while we were still sinners (and did not merit any favors!). God has also demonstrated his love for us by giving us the Holy Spirit who affirms in our hearts the love God has for us.

Have you been reconciled to God? The opportunity to be in a right relationship is for everyone.

As reconciled people, we are to live in peace, hope, and a certainty of God’s love for us. Is that how you live? Is your life marked by joy and a certainty of God’s grace and love to you? That is what reconciliation offers us!