What is the meaning of Romans 5:11? Not only that • Paul has just celebrated the benefits of justification—peace with God and hope of glory (Romans 5:1-2). Here he signals that there is still more to celebrate, inviting believers to look beyond future hope to present experience. • Colossians 1:12-14 echoes this “not only” tone, urging gratitude for present deliverance, not just future inheritance. • The phrase widens our horizon: salvation is rich, multifaceted, and overflowing right now (Ephesians 1:7-8). but we also rejoice in God • Our gladness is rooted in who God is, not merely in the gifts He gives (Psalm 16:11). • This joy is continual—“Rejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4:4)—and arises from a heart set free from fear of wrath (1 John 4:18). • It is a public, vocal delight (Psalm 34:2-3), pointing others to God’s goodness. • By rejoicing in God Himself, we fulfill our created purpose: glorifying Him and enjoying Him forever (Isaiah 43:7). through our Lord Jesus Christ • Christ is the sole Mediator; all blessings flow “through” Him (John 14:6, 1 Timothy 2:5). • His lordship guarantees the permanence of our joy—He is risen and reigning (Romans 14:9). • Because He is “our” Lord, the relationship is personal and covenantal (Galatians 2:20). • Every spiritual privilege, including access to the Father (Ephesians 2:18), is secured by His completed work. through whom we have now received reconciliation • “Now” stresses present possession; reconciliation is not pending but accomplished (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). • Reconciliation means former enemies are made friends (Colossians 1:21-22); hostility is gone, peace is established. • We “received” it—salvation is a gift, not a human achievement (Ephesians 2:8-9). • The once-for-all nature of Christ’s sacrifice (Hebrews 10:14) assures believers that the restored relationship will never be revoked (John 10:28-29). summary Romans 5:11 piles grace upon grace. Beyond justified status and future hope, believers possess a present, overflowing joy in God Himself. That joy is mediated exclusively through the Lord Jesus Christ, whose finished work grants immediate, irreversible reconciliation. The verse calls us to live each day celebrating the God who has already drawn us near, resting in the certainty that nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:38-39). |
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