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.
Romans 5:9-10 (ESV)
These two verses are parallel expressions. They each describe what God has done for us and what he will do for us. Each of them expresses that the greater work of God has already been done. So, there is no reason for us to question his ability or willingness to finish the work he started.
What has he already done? Paul says that we have been justified by the blood of Jesus and reconciled to God by the death of his Son. Justification and reconciliation were both accomplished via the cross.
Justification is a judicial declaration of innocence or righteousness. The judge, God in this case, has declared us to be free of the guilt of sin. Why? Because of the blood of Jesus. His blood covers over, or atones, for our sins.
Reconciliation refers to the restoration of a relationship. We were enemies of God. But Jesus’ death on the cross put to death the enmity between us. We have been reconciled to God.
If God has justified and reconciled us to himself, how much more should we expect to be saved? Salvation here refers to deliverance from the wrath of God, the fate that awaits an unrighteous and rebellious world.
Is this justification, reconciliation, and salvation given to everyone? Paul has spent most of the past few chapters of Romans arguing that our justification is through faith in the shed blood of Jesus (Rom. 3:23-25). Apart from faith in Jesus’ redeeming work on our behalf, we remain alienated from God, lost in our sins, and facing the wrath of God.
But, having been justified and reconciled to God, I can rejoice and be confident in the salvation that awaits me.
