Converting Mercy a Pledge of Preserving Grace
E. Cooper. Romans 5:10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled… I. THE POSITION HERE ASSUMED. Note — 1. The change which Christians have undergone. This change has been effected. Let us separately advert to these two particulars. (1) They were enemies to God. This, indeed, is naturally the state of all men. "Being by nature born in sin, they are children of wrath." It is not, however, by imputation only, but also by wicked works. They dislike His holiness, His law, His service. To dislike God, who is goodness; to hate His service, which is happiness; to have lost His favour, which is better than life; to be exposed to His wrath, which is a consuming fire; who can conceive the real wretchedness of such a state! (2) Such was once the state of those who are now real Christians. But it is their state no longer. (a) They are now "reconciled to God." His wrath is turned away from them. They are brought into a state of peace and friendship with God. (b) Their nature has undergone a most wonderful alteration. They are become new creatures in principle and practice. They now love God and find pleasure in His ways. From enemies they have been made friends; from rebels, children; from vessels of wrath, monuments of grace and mercy. 2. The astonishing way in which this change has been effected. (1) By what means? "By the death of His Son." It is plain that the whole benefit of this reconciliation rests with man. God cannot be profited by it; but it was God who brought it about. In His infinite mercy He projected so great a blessing to mankind. In His infinite wisdom He devised a plan for effecting it. And when, according to this plan, it was expedient that His only-begotten Son should suffer for sinners, He "spared Him not, but delivered Him up for us all." He delivered Him up as a sacrifice to justice. (2) Under what circumstances? "When they were enemies." Previously to any disposition on their part, to any sorrow felt, any contrition expressed, any desire of forgiveness manifested, any petition for mercy offered, God planned their return to Him, and provided the way. II. THE INFERENCE DRAWN FROM IT. "Much more being reconciled, they shall be saved by His life." True Christians in their reconciliation with God have, indeed, undergone a great and a glorious change. But the work is not yet complete. The great obstacle is removed. Their sins are pardoned and their souls are renewed. But they are as yet renewed only in part. The carnal mind, though weakened, is not utterly subdued. Their great adversary constantly harasses them; while the world assails them with all its formidable weapons. Now the natural tendency of all these united obstacles is to oppose their progress; nay, to drive them back, and to leave them at last to perish in sin and wrath. Effectual provision is made for their security. He who died to reconcile them by His blood, now liveth to preserve them by His power. Observe, then, the whole force of the inference in the text. Hath God done so much for His people, and will He do no more? Certainly not. On the contrary, if He has done the greater work for them, much more will He do the less. If He pitied them when enemies, much more will He love them when friends. (E. Cooper.) Parallel Verses KJV: For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. WEB: For if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we will be saved by his life.