“For yet Christ…” The syntax in Greek frontloads the identity of Christ. He came whilst we were still weak, whilst sin still had a hold and we were helpless. We could not do anything to save ourselves. He died for those who are ungodly, lacking righteousness (v6). This is the surprising factor. Paul observes that people are unlikely to die for others. You are scarcely even likely to give up your life for a righteous person, though you possibly might. However Jesus died for ungodly people. He died for us whilst we were still sinners, still opposed to God, still committed to our own selfish agendas (v7-8).
If we are now right with God (justified). This should increase our assurance, our certain hope. We will be saved from God’s wrath. Our status by grace now (note justification is a present reality not merely a future one) means that when God’s judgement day comes we have nothing to fear (v9). This is reinforced in verse 10, we are right with God and so reconciled to him. Again, this means that we are saved. Salvation in Paul’s order follows on from justification and reconciliation. This is perhaps because the expectation was that God’s people would be vindicated and delivered on judgement day when the Messiah came to defeat the enemies of God and his people. So the crucial question to answer is whether or not we are part of God’s covenant people? This is not merely something to be believed or argued. The good news should move us to joyful praise and thanksgiving (v11).
Faithroots 