by Aaron Linden
Synopsis: This article is adapted from a recent Wednesday evening invitation that Aaron presented at the Adoue Street church of Christ in Alvin, TX.
Hope and peace! What a blessing it is that, according to the word of God, Christians can have peace with God and a hope of heaven based on the love of God. These are two powerful gifts in this world. Without them, impatience, fear of what has been labeled by some in the world as the "great unknown," anxiety, wonder, and the like, can intrude. That Christians can put aside these troubling thoughts provides a calm that has no earthly price.
In Romans 5:1-5, Paul reminds us that we have been justified through Jesus Christ. Because of this, we hope to share in God's glory and trust that His promises of eternal life are founded in truth. Even sufferings upon this earth cannot break down this hope and peace. Deliverance from our transgressions comes through the payment of those sins by the blood of Christ.
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us (Rom. 5:1-5).
Romans 5:6-9 declares that this is the price that was paid so we may have these gifts while on this earth. Marvelous love has been manifested: Christ died for all, even though humanity collectively rejected Him and sentenced Him to crucifixion.
For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him (Rom. 5:6-9).
Romans 5:10-11 affirms that, even though we were enemies of God, He saved us from a debt we could not repay. As those who listen to His word, we have the promise of a reward of which we are entirely undeserving and cannot fully fathom from a physical perspective.
For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation (Rom. 5:10-11).
How can we take hold of God's promised reward? Consider the command that Ananias issued to Saul of Tarsus, recorded in Acts 22:16, along with Peter's description of baptism in 1 Peter 3:21-22.
Now why do you delay? Get up and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name (Acts 22:16).Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you—not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who is at the right hand of God, having gone into heaven, after angels and authorities and powers had been subjected to Him (1 Pet. 3:21-22).
Ask yourself, "Do I want access to this peace, hope, and eternal reward?" Why do you wait? Take hold of what God offers. Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on His name.
Author Bio: Aaron is a full-time student at UTMB Galveston School of Medicine in Physician Assistant Studies. He and his wife, Virginia, attend the Adoue Street church of Christ in Alvin, TX. He can be reached at alinden207@gmail.com.
