Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. 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. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. Romans 5:9-11
For my daily study, I continue to lean on DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotional, which today looks at the ultimate end (or prize) of the gospel that we receive as believers. John Piper summarizes this end or prize by sharing: "[t]he end of the gospel is “we rejoice in God.” The highest, fullest, deepest, sweetest good of the gospel is God himself, enjoyed by his redeemed people. God in Christ became the price (Romans 5:6–8), and God in Christ became the prize (Romans 5:11)." Piper unpacks how this comes about: he starts by pointing to verse 9 where we are saved from the wrath of God. He continues by describing how this is not the "highest, best, fullest, most satisfying prize of the gospel." It gets better because we are "saved by his life" in verse 10. It then gets even better - all the way to the best in verse 11 as Piper shares that "[m]ore than that, we also rejoice in God[.]" Justified = saved from His wrath > reconciled = saved by His life > reconciliation = rejoice in God. Believers must stand in awe of God Himself in what we have received - God Himself! The most amazing wonderful gift in the world! My thoughts turn immediately to David from Psalm 16 where he writes that God is His portion (Bayleaf Baptist Church sermon - verse ) - referencing the Levites who did not get land of their own in the promised land but instead received land in the tribes of others but more importantly were able to get closer to God than anyone through their service and priestly duties. In the same vain, believers are able to get close to God - we should rejoice at this!
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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are worthy of rejoicing over as You saved me Your wrath, I am now reconciled to You, and through this reconciliation I have You! Thank You Jesus! The greatest gift of all time. I am not deserving of this. My sin is great and it continues....daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
