Romans 5:9: Since, Therefore, We Have Now Been Justified By His Blood

Romans 5:9
[9] Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. (ESV)

Have you ever known someone who was an organ donor? It is a wonderful selfless act to give one part of your body to another person so that they can live. In some respects we could say that Christ was the organ donor for our spiritual life. With the exception that Christ gave more than an organ he gave his whole body for ours.

We have been justified by the blood of Christ. The sacrifice that he made on our behalf was complete. In the Old Testament sacrificial system it was required that the blood of an animal be shed to provide atonement for the sins of the people. This requirement of the blood of animals was an illustration of the true "lamb" who would be sacrificed for all of sinful mankind; Jesus.

Paul is saying here that while it is amazing that Christ would be willing to make such a sacrifice on our behalf it is even more amazing what happens as a result of his sacrifice. We are saved from the wrath of God. This fact is lost on many "Christians." It is almost as if we think that Christ's sacrifice just makes us better people.

Christ's sacrifice for us saves us from the terrible, eternal, and justified wrath of God. Jesus took all of our punishment on his back. There is none left for us. This truth ought to fill your heart with joy and gratitude. God had to have his wrath satisfied. The fact that you are not punished for your sins does not mean that your sins are not punished. It means that the punishment was taken for you by Jesus.

It is amazing that Christ died for us. It is even more amazing that God's wrath has been satisfied with none left for those who believe in his name. May this reality fill your heart with joy and gratitude. Live your life today in response to his amazing gift.