[303 words]
I’m sure you’ve heard the old riddle about the polar bear when he looked forward was looking south, when he looked back was looking south, and when he looked all around was also looking south. Of course he was standing on the North Pole to make this accurate.
We can make a similar statement in Romans 5:1-11 concerning Jesus Christ. When we look back, we see Jesus Christ having died for our sins. When we look forward, we see Him promising to be with us in heaven forevermore. And when we look all around, we also see that Jesus is here with us. Let’s examine these concepts in the passage that Paul wrote through inspiration.
Looking back, we see Jesus:
• “For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly” (v.6)
• “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (v.8)
Looking forward, we see Jesus:
• “through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God” (v.2)
• “Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him” (v.9)
Looking around, we see Jesus:
• “we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (v.1)
• “And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation” (v.11)
Our past, present, and future can all be affected because of Jesus Christ. He transforms every moment of our existence. He brings hope and joy for the day and for every day going forth. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). Praise Him, praise Him!
Edd Sterchi
Broadway church of Christ
Campbellsville, KY