Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.  (10)  For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.  (11)  And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

Romans 5:9-11 

Explanation:

Paul, having the experience and the influence of being around jewish rabbis, was used to a teaching method of teaching from the lesser to the greater.  “Much more then” is  a classic example.  What is amazing about the truth that he is expounding is that the “lesser” is already pretty incredible.  What has he said?  We have peace with God. We have been given access to God through a position of grace.  God became flesh and died for us while we were sinners!  Now he goes on to this incredible truth.  Because of the blood of Jesus Christ we will be saved from the wrath of God.  No punishment.  No hell.  No pain.  No separation from God.  It was all poured out on Jesus on the cross for us.  

We were reconciled, or brought near by the death of Christ.  Now that we’ve been reconciled, we will be saved by the life of Christ.  This brings us joy and fulfillment in God through Jesus Christ right now.  It impacts our past in that all of our sins have been forgiven, it impacts our future, in that we will be saved by His life and won’t go to hell, and it impacts our present because we joy in God having received this atonement!

Our sins are forgiven.  Our punishment has been given.  God’s wrath has been satisfied.  Now we are living the benefits, and looking forward to the benefits to come!  

Application:

All of these benefits come by faith.  Justification with God comes by faith through grace.  Have you put your faith in Jesus Christ for forgiveness of sins?

What about your friends?  Family? Co-workers?  Neighbors?  Do the know?

Response:

1. Trust.

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.  (10)  For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.  (11)  For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.  (12)  For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.  (13)  For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Romans 10:9-13 

2. Praise.

In Christ alone! – who took on flesh,

Fullness of God in helpless babe.

This gift of love and righteousness,

Scorned by the ones He came to save

Till on that cross as Jesus died,

The wrath of God was satisfied

For every sin on Him was laid

Here in the death of Christ I live.

“In Christ Alone” – 2001- Townsend and Getty