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Romans 5:10

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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.

For {G1063} if {G1487}, when we were {G5607} enemies {G2190}, we were reconciled {G2644} to God {G2316} by {G1223} the death {G2288} of his {G846} Son {G5207}, much {G4183} more {G3123}, being reconciled {G2644}, we shall be saved {G4982} by {G1722} his {G846} life {G2222}.

For if we were reconciled with God through his Son’s death when we were enemies, how much more will we be delivered by his life, now that we are reconciled!

For if, when we were enemies of God, we were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through His life!

For if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, shall we be saved by his life;

Commentary

Romans 5:10 KJV is a powerful verse that highlights the depth of God's love and the security of the believer's salvation. It presents a compelling argument from the greater work of reconciliation to the certainty of future salvation.

Context

This verse is part of Paul's explanation in Romans 5 about the blessings that come from being justified by faith. Having established that believers have peace with God through Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1), Paul goes on to emphasize the certainty of God's love, demonstrated most clearly by Christ dying for humanity while they were still sinners and enemies. Verse 10 builds upon this, contrasting the state of enmity with the state of reconciliation and showing that if the harder task (reconciliation of enemies) was accomplished by Christ's death, the easier task (saving those already reconciled) is certainly guaranteed by His life.

Key Themes

  • Enmity and Reconciliation: The verse starkly contrasts humanity's natural state as "enemies" of God with the miraculous work of "reconciliation" achieved through Christ. This isn't just passive separation but active hostility or opposition to God's will and nature.
  • The Work of Christ (Death and Life): Reconciliation was achieved by the atoning "death of his Son." Salvation for the reconciled is secured "by his life," referring to Christ's resurrection life, His ongoing intercession, and His reign.
  • Assurance of Salvation: The argument "much more" provides strong assurance. If God accomplished the seemingly impossible task of reconciling hostile sinners through Christ's death, how much more certain is the ongoing salvation and preservation of those who are now in a state of peace and friendship with Him through Christ's living power?
  • God's Initiative: The verse implies that reconciliation is something God does for us through Christ, addressing our state of enmity.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "enemies" (echthros) implies being hostile towards God, not just being considered an enemy by God. It speaks to the alienation and opposition inherent in the fallen human condition. "Reconciled" (katallassō) means to change from a state of hostility to one of harmony or friendship. It signifies the restoration of a broken relationship. The contrast between being saved by His death (for reconciliation) and saved by His life (for ongoing salvation/preservation) is crucial; Christ's death dealt with the sin that caused enmity, while His resurrection life ensures the believer's security and ultimate glorification.

Reflection and Application

Romans 5:10 offers profound comfort and assurance to believers. It reminds us that God's love reached us even when we were hostile and undeserving, highlighting the voluntary and sacrificial nature of Christ's atonement. The truth that we were reconciled when we were enemies underscores the depth of God's grace. Furthermore, the promise that we "shall be saved by his life" means that Christ's resurrection power and ongoing work are actively preserving and bringing us to full salvation. This should fill believers with confidence, knowing that the same power that conquered death is at work in them, securing their future with God. It calls us to rest in the finished work of Christ and the continuing power of His resurrection life, which enables Him to save completely those who come to God through Him.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Corinthians 5:18 (27 votes)

    And all things [are] of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

  • 2 Corinthians 5:19 (27 votes)

    To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

  • 2 Corinthians 4:10 (19 votes)

    Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.

  • 2 Corinthians 4:11 (19 votes)

    For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.

  • Romans 8:32 (17 votes)

    He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

  • Colossians 1:20 (14 votes)

    And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, [I say], whether [they be] things in earth, or things in heaven.

  • Colossians 1:21 (14 votes)

    And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in [your] mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled