If you have been following this blog, you know by now that the book of Romans is about being justified by faith. When you are justified, you are declared not guilty in heaven’s court. Your sins are washed away by the blood of Christ and righteousness is imputed to you (Romans 4:22-24). Many benefits come because of our justification, one being the peace that we now have with God.
Romans 5:1 (ESV)
1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
The first negative thing sin does to us is separate us from God. Isaiah said, “1 Behold, the LORD’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or his ear dull, that it cannot hear; 2 but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear” (Isaiah 59:1-2).
Being separated from God is a miserable state of being. It is to live without all the wonderful blessings of being in fellowship with God. Paul reminded the saints at Ephesus of this:
Ephesians 2:11-12 (ESV)
11 Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— 12 remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.
Being without God means not having access to the riches of His grace, not enjoying His providential care, or receiving help from Him in times of need. Being without God means we cannot sustain a praying relationship with Him. Did you notice that Isaiah said that sins have hidden God’s face from us so that He does not hear? This consequence of sin is often spoken of in scripture.
Proverbs 28:9 (ESV)
9 If one turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.
John 9:31 (NKJV)
31 Now we know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does His will, He hears him.
Fortunately, one of the benefits of justification is reconciliation.
Romans 5:11 (ESV)
11 More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
In practical terms, reconciliation has to do with having our friendship with God restored. While our sins made us enemies with God (Romans 5:10), being reconciled brings back peace with Him. This means that we can now enjoy all the benefits of fellowship with Him. If you get a chance, read Ephesians 2:13-22, and make a list of all the blessings of being at peace with God in Christ. It will do you good.
As you wind down for the night, think about these things