The Broken Bridge

The Broken Bridge

There was once a village separated from the city by a deep canyon. Years ago, a strong bridge had connected the two, but over time it collapsed, leaving the villagers stranded. Many tried to build their own way across—ropes, ladders, planks—but every attempt failed. Some fell. Some gave up. Others just pretended the city didn’t exist.

One day, a man from the city came. He was the builder’s son, sent by his father to restore the way. He didn’t use the villagers’ broken materials. He laid down a new bridge—strong, perfect, and free to cross. Some doubted it. Others tried to add their own steps. But those who simply trusted the bridge and walked across found themselves safely in the city, welcomed with joy.

What God Did for Us Through Jesus

Just like the villagers, we were separated from God by sin. No amount of religion, good works, or effort could build a way back. But God sent His Son—Jesus Christ—to be the bridge. He died for our sins, was buried, and rose again. He didn’t ask us to build anything. He built it all. And now, anyone who believes in Him is justified, forgiven, and brought near to God.

Scriptures (KJV)

• “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” — Romans 5:8
• “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel… how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day…” — 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
• “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” — Romans 5:1
• “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” — Ephesians 2:8

The Grace Gospel

You don’t need to build your own way to God. You don’t need religion, rituals, or works. All you need Christ. Simply believe in this good news—that He died for your sins and rose again for your justification (Rom.4:25)—and God will save you, freely and forever. That’s grace. That’s peace. That’s the gift.

Understanding the Process of Salvation in Romans (Part 6 - Therefore being Justified by Faith)

Start this lesson series here: 
Understanding the Process of Salvation in Romans (Part 1)

Understanding the Process of Salvation in Romans (Part 6 - Therefore being Justified by Faith)

When you believed the message of the grace gospel, you acknowledged your sins and put your trust in the fact that the cross of Christ was the propitiation [appeasement, satisfactory fulfilment] that was made on your behalf, allowing God to remain just, while justifying you freely through that sacrifice, Rom.3:26. The moment you did that, your soul became redeemed and is now at peace with God, Rom.5:1. Being justified became the FIRST STEP of your salvation, as we will learn in upcoming parts of this study. 

• What is the significance of justification? Well, you can spend the rest of your life in that justified state and still be saved, even if you never learn and receive the rest of God’s salvation. 

This expression above is a biblically qualified fact, based on what we have already learned. However, even though this statement is true, it is not where we should stop and rest on those laurels. There is more to salvation and God would desire that we press on in our learning of Paul’s doctrine, Php.3:14, as much more blessings and glory are there for us to receive by the grace of God, as we will learn in Rom.5:10.

Reconciled AND saved by his life are different parts of God's salvation

Reconciled AND saved by his life are different parts of God's salvation

Read this verse in Romans chapter 5 and take special note of the tenses used to describe reconciliation and salvation by his life.

Rom 5:10  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.

Let's take a deeper look at what it is saying:

--being reconciled

Reconciliation is the first part of our salvation. It is the part that the majority of believers understand and relate to. Reconciliation comes about by being justified through the hearing and believing of the grace gospel. In simple terms, Romans chapters 1 to 4 educate us on God's righteousness, man's unrighteousness and ungodliness, God's wrath upon those who reject Him, and God's grace upon those who believe in His Son. It is through this grace of God, by means of the cross of Christ and His resurrection, that God can be just and the justifier of them that believe in Jesus, Rom 3:26. 

This justification was settled 2000-years ago at the cross. God's decree is that those who believe on the cross work of His Son freely receive this justification. This is already done, hence it being past tense. We are given confirmation of this fact in chapter 5, which is the conclusion of chapters 1 to 4. Chapter 5 and verse 1 starts with the word, "Therefore...", which means that we take into account all that was said in chapters 1 to 4, and then we conclude with this:

Rom 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:  (2)  By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.