We Have Peace with God

"Peace comes when there is no cloud between us and God. Peace is the consequence of forgiveness, God's removal of that which obscures His face and so breaks union with Him."   - Charles H. Brent

There's a verse in Romans (Romans 5:1) that I'd like to talk about this week. The background for this particular verse is, of course, the book of Romans. This is basically a letter that Paul wrote to the believers in Rome.

It's purpose was to specifically give them (the believers) a solid, theological foundation on which to build their faith, and to live for and serve God earnestly.

On top of that, Paul responds to their most significant questions, providing info on an array of topics, including: the righteousness and sovereignty of God, spiritual growth, judgment, and salvation. But it's this first verse that really grabbed my attention.

The verse reads, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." After reading and mulling it over several times, I asked myself,"Am of I sure of this? How do I know that I have received that? Have I been guided, or led to this truth? Have I learned this about God?"

I must admit there's a lot to consider here. The thought of having peace with God is very comforting and reassuring, isn't it? But, when is that defining moment when we know we have it? Does it just drop into our laps? Or, is there some sort of process that takes place?

Clearly, we are all sinners. That's just a simple fact (Romans 3:23). As a result, nothing you or I could ever do would restore us to the favor of God. Therefore, it's vital that before anything else, we are justified in the sight of God. Hence, are we on good terms with God?

Doesn't it make good sense to want to be "just" or appropriate when we stand before Him one day? Another discovery we make before the Spirit of God brings us to Christ is that our soul is revealed, letting us see how ugly and sinful our imperfect heart truly is (2 Corinthians 5:10).

The spotlight is turned on, and we cannot hide. What we see is enough to sicken us. We also discover, as I mentioned, that it is impossible for us to be "just" before God on our own merit. The past is a done deal. All we have is the present and future, neither of which is promising without our justification by faith.

Let's examine on more thing we discover before receiving peace with God through justification by faith. We know that we are not "just" before God the way we are. However, as if this weren't bad enough, we are also under condemnation. Simply put, if you are not "just" before God, you are presently condemned.

Now sit back for a moment, and allow all of this to sink in. Can you now see the importance of being "just" before God? On our own we never can be, nor ever could. We are hopelessly lost without it. I hope that our discussion has, at the very least, opened your eyes.

Stop trying to find a shortcut or alternative way to peace with God. It cannot be done! There is only one way. It will take some effort on your part to make it through that narrow gate (Matthew 7:13-14), but don't despair. The hand of God's grace is reaching out to you right now. All you have to do is take it (Ephesians 2:8).

Scripture: Isaiah 35:8; Philippians 4:7; Luke 13:24; Romans 6:23; 1 Peter 3:18

Prayer: Dear God, thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus Christ, into the world not to condemn us but to save us. In Jesus name I pray, amen.

Have a blessed Monday!

Hailey