God’s great and glorious work

Romans 4:25 He who was delivered over because of our transgressions, and was raised because of our justification. This last verse of Romans chapter 4 gives us incredible encouragement by telling us the significance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It tells us why Jesus was crucified—for our transgressions—and why He was resurrected—God accepted His death and righteousness on our behalf so we could be justified before Him. Jesus was delivered by God to the Jewish and Roman authorities, the people, and the soldiers. Jesus’ life wasn’t taken from Him, it was given by God and given by Jesus, Himself. God delivered His Son to the devil and his children because we are sinners, transgressors of His Law. Satan’s accusation before God against us is that justice demands that we die because God said to Adam that the day we sin, we die. We have transgressed God’s Law, and Satan has a right to us. Murder and death falls under Satan’s jurisdiction. Just as Adam represented the many before God and the many became sinners, so Jesus was given by God to represent the many that they may be justified through Jesus Christ. Paul will unpack this great truth later in chapter 5, but today let us take great encouragement from this verse. When God raised Jesus from the dead, He did so because He was justifying you and me—if you believe in Jesus. As sure as Jesus was raised to life in this world, so we are justified by God and are credited with His righteousness. Doesn’t this inspire you to love God and love in His name? Let His love pour out of your heart in praise and thanksgiving to God for His great love and saving work revealed in Jesus Christ. Acknowledgment: Music from “Carried by the Father” by Eric Terlizzi. www.ericterlizzi.com