In Romans 5, we see that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). This demonstrates the depth of God's love for us, as He made the ultimate sacrifice to reconcile us to Himself. It is through His death and resurrection that we are justified and made righteous before God. This righteousness is not something we earn or achieve through our own efforts, but it is imputed to us through faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 4:5). It is a gift of God's grace, freely given to us.

As believers, we now stand in the righteousness of Christ and have peace with God (Romans 5:1). We have been justified by faith and have access to the grace in which we stand (Romans 5:2). This grace is not just forgiveness of sins, but it is the abundant life and righteousness that we receive through our union with Christ. It is through His life in us that we are transformed and made righteous. This is the incredible work of God's love and grace in our lives, and it is something we can rejoice in and be thankful for (Romans 5:11).

This is all based on the obedience of Christ to the Father's will. This is something we should consider. Many have the idea that Jesus is somehow holding back the wrath of the Father from coming upon us, as if God wants to 'break out' and Jesus is standing in His way! But this could not be further from the truth. Jesus said:

< Joh 10:17-18 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. (18) No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

God the Father is the one who originated the idea of redemption, and the Son’s work of giving His life for us was in obedience to His command. This fulfills the “good pleasure” of the Father, that He may have many sons in glory (Eph 1:5). Know that the Father sent the Son for you, and rejoices to have you home!

• Romans 3:23-24 "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus."
• Romans 4:4-5 "Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness."
• Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
• 2 Corinthians 5:21 "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him."
• Ephesians 2:8-9 "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."

Thank you, Father for sending your Son. Thank you that your desire was to have me, and you sent Him to pay the price to purchase me. Thank you that you are for me, and that you have justified me. Praise the Lord for the Shepherd who brought the sheep home and the Father who rejoices with Him!