Romans 5:10-11
QUESTION
Concerning Romans 5:10-11, the early part of verse 10 seems to clearly point to the atonement work on the cross. However, does the later part of verse 10 and verse 11 point to the new birth, or does it point to application of the atonement to the conscience when we know and understand that Christ died for us as expressed in Galatians 2:20? Any input is greatly appreciated. Blessings. (Anonymous)
RESPONSE
Concerning Romans 5:10-11, the early part of verse 10 seems to clearly point to the atonement work on the cross. However, does the later part of verse 10 and verse 11 point to the new birth, or does it point to application of the atonement to the conscience when we know and understand that Christ died for us as expressed in Galatians 2:20?
Let’s take a look at those verses…
“For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son,” (Romans 5:10a)
Here we see that the atoning work of Christ is not conditioned on anything found in man, but is in spite of our status as enemies of God. Moreover we see that this atoning work was effectual, not merely potential as many falsely believe, because it actually reconciled us to God.
“much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.” (Romans 5:10b)
Our reconciliation being established and sure by the previous statement, and the absolute efficacy of the blood of Christ established elsewhere in scripture (Romans 8:31-39), we see that this truth is attended by a hard-shall promise of future salvation, which is said to be “by his life.” I believe it likely that this designs our Lord’s current, glorified, resurrection state as a testimony to his triumph over death and the promise of our future glorification (Romans 8:30) wherein we shall be like him (I John 3:2).
“And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ,” (Romans 5:11a)
But for the Lord’s regenerate sheep, our salvation is not simply about the future promise of glorification, but likewise designs the present tense blessing of the indwelling Holy Spirit of God wherein we have joy as a fruit thereof (Galatians 5:22), which is a provision of the covenant whereby we are saved.
“by whom we have now received the atonement.” (Romans 5:11b)
In what sense could these regenerate, baptized members of the church at Rome be said to have “received the atonement"? I believe there are a few viable options. It is most certainly true that anyone who has received the covenant blessing of regeneration, has “received the atonement” in that they have become an experimental and vital beneficiary thereof. This interpretation does no violence to the text, but it may not capture what Paul has in mind. When we consider that he is addressing a gospel-converted New Testament church, his intention might be that these people have “received the atonement” in a gospel sense, having heard the explicit mechanics of their salvation by grace such that it is now a part of their understanding. We know that all of the elect family of God “receive the atonement” in the sense of regeneration, while not all “receive the atonement” in the sense of Gospel conversion. In the case of those in the church at Rome, both apply.
I suspect that some of our PB brethren may shy away from the latter interpretation for fear that it may rise up against us by suggesting that ALL of the elect family of God “receive the atonement” in a gospel sense. I believe this is concern is unnecessary. Paul is speaking to the church at Rome. Who would deny that they have “received the atonement” in an explicit gospel sense? Could he make this same statement with the same gospel-conversion meaning to Abijah (I Kings 14:13) or Rachel’s children (Jeremiah 31:15-17, Matthew 2:16-18)? No, but neither are his words addressed to them.
While neither interpretation is theologically contradictory, so far as I can see, I believe the latter fits more naturally into the context of the letter. I think the situation is similar to what we find elsewhere in Paul’s writings:
“God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:” (II Thessalonians 2:13)
While I have no doubt that this statement is true of those in the church at Thessalonica, it is most certainly not true of all the elect family of God given that many of them never encountered the truth (Job 9:2), much less believed it (Jeremiah 31:15-17, Matthew 2:16-18).
Any input is greatly appreciated. Blessings.
Glad to share my thoughts. To the extent that they are consistent with the word of God, may they prove profitable; to the extent they are not, please disregard…
- Elder Daniel Samons