The Blessings of Reconciliation

"Therefore, having been justified by faith...." Paul has presented to us the gospel of Christ (1:16). He has made clear two revelations: "the righteousness of God" (1:17), and the "wrath of God" against all ungodliness (1:18). He has shown all the world is guilty before God (3:19) and "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (3:23). But he has also revealed "the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe" (3:22). He has introduced to us some very blessed words: Grace: God's unmerited favor Righteousness: God's standard of perfection Redemption: a price that is paid Justification: a judicial act in declaring debts forgiven Propitiation: satisfaction that a debt is paid Imputation: an accounting term meaning something was given Reconciliation: a change in relationship from enemy to friend