Peace With God

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. Romans 5:1-5

Believers’ justification is an accomplished fact. We are declared righteous because we have believed in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross. That’s where he paid the penalty for all our sins and purchased our eternal salvation. This truth applies to everyone in all generations who has believed in the promise of atonement through a perfect Savior. Works are not required. Faith alone is required, for justification. Here’s the result:

“Therefore,” (since that is our position), we have (let us keep on having) peace (eirene- prosperity, quietness, rest + set at one again) through our Lord Jesus Christ. It is only through faith in Him we are able to enjoy the blessings of grace in which we stand (stand is in perfect tense, meaning the action is complete and the benefits are ongoing).

As spiritually dead humans, we were alienated from God, helpless and fearful. Now, through faith in Jesus Christ, we are “set at one again,” or “joined” with Him, enjoying His blessings of quietness, rest and prosperity—perfect peace. Our exultation is in our hope (confidence!) in the glory to be manifested by God.

We’re still human, living in the devil’s world. There will always be tribulations in this dimension. We exult in those, also, realizing it is part of God’s plan for us as we grow in grace before Him. Through sufferings we develop character we’d never have as comfortable little untested children. We are forced by sufferings to develop patience, which sharpens our experience, which strengthens our confidence in the perfect plan and provision of God.

Our confidence (hope) rules out any disappointment or shame, because (1) it is not self-confidence. (2) Our confidence is in God’s integrity to always honor His word. God the Holy Spirit has implanted within us the very love of God to bolster our sense of purpose and destiny as those who belong to the Sovereign of the Universe.

We have been justified by faith in Jesus Christ. We now stand in God’s grace. We have confidence in His authority. In our sufferings, we know there is a greater purpose.

We relax in peace with God.