As we reflect on the sacrificial death of Jesus on this Good Friday, I want to encourage you with a few promises found in Romans 5 verses 1 and 2.
“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through Him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” Because of the person and work of Jesus, this is what is guaranteed to all who place their faith in Him,
Justified by God: Because of the death and resurrection of Jesus, God justifies (declares righteous) all who place their faith in Jesus. When a person is justified and their sin debt is cleared, no one can take that away from them. They have a new identity and God’s wrath has been satisfied because of the person and finished work of Jesus.
Peace with God: Having peace shows that previously there was hostility. Because of our sins, there was hostility between a good and all holy God and His image bearers. Because of the death of the perfect One, Jesus Christ, we can now have complete peace with God. Believers are justified (we have been given the righteousness of Jesus) and forgiven. Because Jesus took the wrath of God there is no more wrath for us, only peace. We’ve been reconciled to God through the blood of Jesus.
Access by Faith to be able to stand in Grace: Because of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, the gift of faith is given to God’s people. This faith points us to God’s saving and sure grace, and we are positionally able to stand with confidence in Him. Our hope has been blood bought and it is secure. We can stand firm because of God’s favor toward us in Jesus.
Rejoice in the Hope of the Glory of God: Because of Jesus, every child of God can truly rejoice, in the good times, the mundane times, and even the challenging times. We can rejoice because Jesus has purchased our reconciliation back to God, and in being reconciled to God we can behold the glory of God in all things. We can rejoice because we have been restored to do what we were created to do: to enjoy and glorify God.
So as we reflect on the death of Jesus this Good Friday, let us not stop there. Let us prepare to worship! Why? Because our King was raised, and in Him our hope will never be shaken! Have a blessed and hopeful Easter weekend and Spring Break!
