Paul began to speak about a new subject in Romans 5, reconciliation. This section runs to Romans 8:30. Here we come to the core of Paul’s message and learn what has radically changed because of the cross and resurrection. The apostle always lets new aspects shine.

Romans 5:1-11 is the bridge that crosses over into this new reality. Paul explains. It’s about teaching. Step by step, he explains connections. It is the basis for our trust in God. When Paul emphasizes the gospel, he always emphasizes God’s work. What God does becomes good news – the gospel.

God works – even when we are weak (Rom 5:6). God highlights His love for us, and Paul describes it vividly. Those who have an image of God that is characterized by demands will be proven wrong here. God is not demanding, but giving. This is what makes the Gospel.

How much more!

Twice in these verses Paul describes a radical change with the words, “How much more!”

“God exalts His love toward us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Consequently, how much more will we, now justified in His blood, be saved from wrath through Him!”
Rom 5:8-9

“For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, how much more, now reconciled, will we be saved in His life!”
Rom 5:10

“How much more” describes the contrast. If God has already reconciled us to Himself through the death of His Son, how much more will we now be saved in His life! Life is worth much more and is much more powerful than death. So how much more is the current situation compared to what was before. That Christ died is important, but only His life introduces a new reality. First came death, then came life. Reconciled by His death, we are now saved in His life.

So what is the good news? Well, our life is connected to Christ. Not only did He die for us, but we live with Him. This is not dependent on us, but we are saved in His life. The outlook is based on the death of Christ, but continues with His life. We are included in it.

If Paul makes anything clear, it is the confidence that in Christ we have received all things. That is why he writes immediately afterwards:

“Not only so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.”
Rom 5:11

Let’s pay attention to the text wherein this connection is outlined:

• we boast in God
• through our Lord Jesus Christ.

God works through Jesus Christ. If we look to Jesus Christ, we see God at work. Therefore, we boast “in God” whom we see at work. Likewise, we boast “through our Lord Jesus Christ” because He carries out God’s work, because He has brought about reconciliation through His death, which may now be applied to us.

The new reality

In the gospel God’s righteousness is revealed, Paul wrote at the very beginning of the letter (Rom 1:16-17). This justice results in reconciliation. He who is reconciled is no longer an enemy. We were indeed reconciled “when we were enemies” (Rom 5:10). At the same time, however, that is the last thing we see of this enmity. Reconciled people are no longer enemies.

God is reconciled with us. We may be with Him. How blatant do you think that is.