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The doctrine of justification by faith may be said to be hinted at in the first chapter, implied in the second, distinctly proclaimed in the third, proved scriptural in the fourth, and openly exulted in in this present chapter. Its consequences are now being emphasized by the apostle.

I. THE APPEAL TO A FACT. The "if" of the tenth verse does not signify doubt, but introduces the major premiss of the proposition, and one which is matter of instant acknowledgment. Translate it "since," or "seeing that."

1. The previous state, one of enmity against God. The human race as such had revolted against its Sovereign. The apostle considers Christ's work as effected for all generations, the ancient mints profiting by anticipatory faith, and subsequent believers being attracted by the plain preaching of the cross. Modern experience attests the reality of this unnatural condition, the hostility being evident both in thought and word and deed. What a blight must have fallen upon the creation, for the creatures to set themselves against their Creator, the children against their Parent! The remembrance of a God in heaven, instead of inspiring delight, is excluded as far and as long as possible. Witness the exclamation of the woman by the dying-bed of Falstaff, "Now I, to comfort him, bid him `a should not think of God; I hoped there was no need to trouble himself with any such thoughts yet."

2. The change effected. Reconciliation means the bringing together in happy agreement of parties formerly at variance. It matters not whether we can definitely state the time and manner of our individual conversion, provided we are conscious that there is now no estrangement, that we are not "alienated in our mind" from the almighty Author of our being. Does peace reign? Do we love and not dread God, desiring to serve him as our chief glory?

3. The instrument. The death of Christ is declared by the apostle to have removed every barrier to man's return to fellowship with God. We are "justified by his blood," which allays the fears of conscience and inspires us with new motives and desires. The law of condemnation was nailed to the cross. Sinners recognize in the Father's surrender of his beloved Son his intention and willingness to forgive the penitent.

II. THE ARGUMENT BASED THEREON.

1. If a dying Christ reconciled us, surely a living Redeemer will avert from us Divine wrath. The contrast was great between the lifeless form taken down by the disciples from the cross, and the risen Saviour declaring, "All power is given unto me in heaven and earth." And in proportion did the disciples rise from chilling despair into a condition of fearless triumph. The resurrection was the seal of the pleasure of God in the obedience of his Son, and an ascension to honour could mean nothing less than continued aid and blessing for those on whose behalf the Son had suffered.

2. If Christ endured the cross for the sake of his enemies, surely he will now save his friends. By his death he transmuted foes into friends, and friendship involves help in every time of need. The exalted Saviour places his priestly resources at the disposal of his weak and tempted followers. His perpetual intercession is a guarantee of their full, complete salvation. "Having loved his own who were in the world, he loves them unto the end."

3. If Christ overcame the initial difficulty in salvation, no other obstacle can arrest his redemptive career. It might well seem the crux of the problem to bring man into the way of salvation; but once his feet are guided into the way of peace, to sustain him therein is the joyful function of him who "ever lives to save." The bridging of the chasm between sin and righteousness, love and holy indignation, having been accomplished, none can doubt the ability of the Divine Architect to lead the wayfarer across in safety. Our Shepherd trains and feeds his flock. The angel with the golden censer perfumes and offers our prayers before the throne. The living Saviour is "the Way, the Truth, and the Life" of his people. - S.R.A.

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KJV: Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

WEB: Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we will be saved from God's wrath through him.