At One Through Christ

"And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement."  Romans 5:11.  The man from Ethiopia went on his way rejoicing after he was baptized into Christ.  Acts 8:39.  Through Christ, we are made one with God.  We were separated from God because of sin.  But, Jesus satisfied God's judgment for sin.  Jesus paid the ransom price that was required for redemption.  We are united with Christ in baptism.  Romans 6:3-5.  Through that union we are reconciled unto God.  The barrier that separated us from God was broken down.  The gulf between God and man was bridged.  Jesus provided an atonement.  God was satisfied.  Judgment was satisfied.  Joy comes to the human heart.  Sin is removed.  Guilt is removed.  Instead of despair, there is hope.  Instead of separation, there is union.  We, who did not know God, now know Him.  We, who were the enemies of God, are now the friends of God.  The atonement made us the sons of God.  The atonement made us citizens of heaven.  Truly, we joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ.