Romans 5:9-11
Therefore, since we have now been justified by his blood, it is even more certain that we will be saved from God’s wrath through him. For if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, it is even more certain that, since we have been reconciled, we will be saved by his life. And not only is this so, but we also go on rejoicing confidently in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received this reconciliation.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Forgive us our sins and save us from your wrath. Our sins cause us to be divided from you, and suffering your anger is the complete separation from you where there is no love. But your Son came to this earth to save the human race by living the perfect life of love—he loved you and us completely. Then he went to the cross and died an innocent death in our place. Yet before we came to faith, we were your enemies, so Jesus suffered and died for all the enemies who put him on the cursed tree—us. As Paul wrote, we were reconciled to you by his death; after he suffered and rose from the dead, he declared every one of his enemies: “not guilty.” By faith, we receive the gift of forgiveness, and in that gift, we are restored to you because Jesus rose from the dead and will also be raised up on the last day. So that we can be confident in our salvation because of all that Jesus did to save us; also the Holy Spirit’s work to begin faith in us.
Lord, thank you for giving us these words Paul recorded; they are the foundation of our faith. We were all sinful and your enemies, so Jesus came in our place to forgive us and declare us not guilty. So that by believing with faith the Spirit gives us, we are restored to your good favor and love. Let us share this good news with someone who does not know you so that they, too, will hear the good news about their salvation. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
Jesus has restored you by his death on the cross; it is freely yours through faith alone. Jesus has forgiven you all your sins.