By Michael Youssef, Ph.D.

Read Romans 5:1-11.

Most of us know what a joy it is to be reconciled with someone you love. Perhaps you argued, and then the walls came up, separating you. After that, there was a long period of uncomfortable silence. Neither you nor the other person wanted to make the first move.

But then, something wonderful happened: Bit by bit, your hearts were softened, the walls began to crumble, regrets were shared, apologies were extended, and the closeness you once knew was restored. It’s only when we’re reconciled that we realize how much we missed each other when we were apart.

On the cross, Jesus reconciled us to the Father. You see, every single one of us was born at enmity with God. Not one of us was on speaking terms with the Lord. Why? Because we could not be what God demands that we be: holy, perfect, whole—just as He is.

But the Good News of the Gospel is that at the cross, Jesus met the Father’s just demands. Jesus was holy where we failed. He obeyed where we rebelled. And then He died to pay for our sins. This is why we can now have peace with God the Father. The wall of separation has come crashing down, and we enjoy perfect fellowship with our Maker once again by the blood of Christ.

Though we were guilty, and God could have removed us permanently from His presence, He brought us near by the blood of His Son. He paid the cost so we could be reconciled to Him, both now and forever. Truly, He is the justifier of those who have faith in Jesus (see Romans 3:26). There is no other mediator between God and man.

Prayer: Father, You have justified and redeemed me from the pit. I praise You for Your grace and love. I find perfect peace and rest for my soul in fellowship with You, my matchless Creator. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!” (Romans 5:10).

Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef’s sermon The Folly and the Power of the Cross, Part 2: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOW

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