Definition: And not only [so], but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Romans 5:11. It’s a really important and comforting passage about how we find our relationship with God. Here's what it means in simpler terms: “And not only [so], but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.” Let’s unpack each part: "And not only [so]" : This is a little tricky. It's saying beyond just knowing about God, there’s something more happening. “So” means "also," and it’s emphasizing that joy isn’t just a feeling we have; it’s a result of our relationship with God. “we also joy in God” : This is the core of the verse – we genuinely feel joy when we think about, or are connected to, God. It's not just a polite acknowledgement; it's a deep and heartfelt happiness. “through our Lord Jesus Christ” : This is crucial! Jesus Christ is the central figure in this passage. He’s God’s son who died for us. “by whom we have now received the atonement.” This is where it gets really significant. “Atonement” means atoning or cleansing . It refers to forgiveness of our sins. We've been forgiven of our mistakes by Jesus through his death and resurrection. Think of it like a big, important cleaning – we’re being set free from the burden of guilt and shame because of Jesus’ sacrifice. So, putting it all together: The verse essentially says that because we believe in Jesus Christ, we experience joy and happiness because he has forgiven us for our sins. It's a powerful statement about how God’s love extends to us through his Son, and that forgiveness offers hope and peace. In short, it means that God’s grace (God’s favor) is available to us through Jesus Christ, and this brings us a sense of joy and relief. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the significance of this passage in more detail? Answer any specific questions you have about it?