A communion meditation

COMMUNION
A Spiritual Chain Reaction
Romans 5:1-2
pdf
Dr. Paul Manuel—2011

When one event precipitates another, which then precipitates another, we describe that series variously as a chain reaction (nuclear physics), as a cascade (chemical engineering), domino (political theory), or a snowball effect. These are all terms for events that occur in science, politics, or nature, that is, in the physical realm. What we do not often consider is that a similar process occurs in another realm as a result of Jesus' sacrifice on our behalf—A Spiritual Chain Reaction. The apostle Paul describes this series in his letter to the church at Rome.¹ In Rom 5, the apostle lists four consequences of Jesus' death, four ways that believers benefit from what others might regard solely as a tragic event.

Rom 5:1 ...since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.

While the rabbi's crucifixion was, indeed, an excruciating experience and a travesty of human justice, it made possible for us what would have been impossible otherwise. As we prepare for communion, it is appropriate to consider these four accomplishments and, perhaps, to enhance our appreciation for the fullness of our salvation. To help in our reflection, I will also include excerpts from four hymns that show how others have considered these accomplishments as well.

Because of our sin, the penalty of death hung over us. We were destined for hell's punishment, to face eternity in suffering and separation, and there was nothing we could do to change that.... Graciously, God did something by sending His son to bear the punishment we deserved. So the first consequence of Jesus' death is that we have...

• Justification before God

The penalty of sin no longer threatens you. Jesus endured the punishment you deserved, and God has wiped your slate clean. As Elvina Hall wrote (1865),

Jesus paid it all, all to him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow.

One of the decidedly negative affects of our sin is that it put us at odds with God. We were not simply neutral, minding our own business and going our own way. We opposed Him at every point His agenda differed from ours. That placed us in the enemy camp. In fact, Paul says later, in v. 10, "we were God's enemies." That is how God viewed us, and that is how He planned to treat us (and we know how that would have ended). Thankfully, He made it possible for us to change our status, and the second consequence of Jesus' death is that we now have...

• Peace with God

You have been reconciled to Him. No longer His enemy, you are now His friend. More than that, you are also His child. As Charles Wesley wrote in Arise, My Soul, Arise (1742),

My God is reconciled; His pardoning voice I hear;
He owns me for His child; I can no longer fear.

Before we knew God, we paid little attention to God. He was always there, but we ignored Him. We never realized how He might have helped us when we needed comfort or guidance or protection. Not that such information would have done us any good. God only heeds the voices of the repentant and the obedient. Wonderfully, that changed for us when we changed the direction of our lives, because the third consequence of Jesus' death is that we have...

• Access to God

Now whenever you bring to Him your petitions, you can be confident that He hears you and that He will answer you. As William Walford wrote (1845),

Sweet hour of prayer, sweet hour of prayer, that calls me from a world of care,
And bids me at my Father's throne make all my wants and wishes known.

At one point in our lives, we tended to view the future in terms of weeks, months, and years. What lay beyond did not concern us. It should have, but it did not. We were short-sighted, looking only for instant gratification. The prospect of life-after-death may have intrigued us but did not especially concern us. We may even have thought that this life was all there was. When God became real to us, our concept of reality expanded accordingly, as did our awareness of what does exist on the other side of physical death. Expectantly, now, it is a realm we will enter to experience something unprecedented in this world, because the fourth consequence of Jesus' death is that we will see the...

• Glory of God

What is hidden from you here—what no one here can see—will be revealed to you there. You will behold the very face of God² and will bask in the splendor of His presence, not briefly but eternally. As Frances Havergal wrote in Lord, Speak to Me (1872),³

O use me, Lord, use even me, just as Thou wilt, and when, and where;
Until Thy blessed face I see, Thy rest, Thy joy, Thy glory share.

Jesus' death, which we remember in this communion service, had A Spiritual Chain Reaction, for it began a process that extended far beyond the first century and yielded much more than we often consider. Through that one event, we have...

• Justification before God,

• Peace with God,

• Access to God, and we will see the...

• Glory of God

As you partake of the elements, reflect on one of these, and thank God for what He has given you through the sacrifice of His son.

Endnotes

[1] Paul also employs other, list-type figures in this book.

• Polysyndeton: a simple succession of items, sometimes separated by conjunctions

Rom 8:29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

Rom 9:4 Theirs is the adoption as sons; theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship and the promises.

• Climax: a succession of segments that increases (or decreases) in significance

Rom 5:3 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope.

Rom 8:29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

Rom 10:14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"

[2] John mentions this as well.

Rev 22:4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.

[3] Charles Wesley also addressed this accomplishment.

To the great one in three, eternal praises be hence, evermore!
Thy sovereign majesty may we in glory see, and to eternity love and adore! [Come, Thou Almighty King (1757)]

Changed from glory into glory, till in heaven we take our place,
Till we cast our crowns before thee, lost in wonder, love, and praise.
[Love Divine, All Loves Excelling (1747)]