No matter what TikTok and Twitter have to say about Easter eggs and bunnies, they cannot negate or erase the truth about Easter. Jesus died and rose again to pay for the sins of the world and cancel our debt, reconciling us to God.

The fifth chapter of Romans has a lot to say about justification through faith and gaining access to the grace and peace of God through Jesus Christ. Today’s episode is focused Romans 5:7-11. In verse 11, Paul mentions boasting in God. I love that! Expressing our gratitude for the goodness of God is one way we can boast in Him. Today’s declaration boasts about what God has done for us through our Lord Jesus Christ.

I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again. Hearing the word “justified” reminds me of how Billy Graham used to say that being justified means it’s just as if I’d never sinned. If you’d never sinned, you wouldn’t fear the wrath of God, would you? You’d have no reason to expect judgment to come down on you like fire and brimstone. Romans 5:7-11 explains that those who have been justified by the blood of Christ, can declare that it’s just as if I’d never sinned. If that’s you, then empower your tongue with this truth:

I will never forget when I was in my 20s and heard about a former classmate dying unexpectedly. I was with others who knew her from school and one of them said, “It goes to show that you need to make sure you’re right with your Maker because you never know when you’re going to meet Him.” I was too young and insecure at the time to make the most of that opportunity and ask if they knew how to be sure they were right with God. The book of Romans has the answer. We don’t get right with God through good deeds or righteous behavior. Christ is the one who reconciled us to God. Paul wrote that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Therefore, if—while we were still God’s enemies—we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more shall we be saved through his life! No wonder Paul wrote in his first letter to the Corinthians “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!”

We have plenty of reasons to boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we not only received reconciliation but also grace upon grace, peace with God, and hope in the midst of uncertainty. With all the talk about wars in Ukraine and rumors of wars in Taiwan, with all the talk about floods and famine, tornadoes and climate catastrophes, with all the talk about the end of the world and the coming judgment of God, you and I can rest in the peace of God which surpasses all human understanding. We have no reason to fear the wrath of God. Instead, we can boast in God with a boast like this:

I have been justified and saved from God’s wrath.

I’d appreciate it if you’d take the time to give this podcast a 5-star rating and also text a link to this episode to a friend who needs to know they’ve been justified and saved. Your tongue has power. Use it for good.

Share this podcast and/or a link to my website: www.shawnamariebryant.com

This week’s scripture: Romans 5:7-11