How does Romans 5:1 define "peace with God" through Jesus Christ? The Verse Itself “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,” (Romans 5:1) Key Words to Notice • “Therefore” – draws a conclusion from Paul’s teaching on justification (Romans 3–4) • “Justified” – declared righteous by God, not made righteous by effort • “Through faith” – our trust rests entirely on Christ’s finished work • “Peace with God” – an objective state of reconciliation, not merely inner calm • “Through our Lord Jesus Christ” – the sole mediator who secures this peace Peace With God—What It Is • A settled relationship: hostility removed, friendship restored (Isaiah 53:5) • Legal standing: the Judge has pronounced “righteous,” case closed (Romans 8:1) • Completed work: Christ’s sacrifice fully satisfied divine justice (Colossians 1:20) • Permanent status: secured by Christ’s blood, not by human performance (Hebrews 10:14) How Jesus Provides This Peace 1. He bore our sins (1 Peter 2:24) 2. He endured God’s wrath in our place (Isaiah 53:10) 3. He rose, proving the Father accepted the payment (Romans 4:25) 4. He now intercedes, keeping the relationship intact (Hebrews 7:25) Scriptures That Echo the Same Truth • Ephesians 2:13-17 – “He Himself is our peace” • Colossians 1:21-22 – enemies reconciled “by His physical body through death” • John 14:27 – Christ’s unique peace, unlike the world’s version • Philippians 4:7 – peace that “surpasses all understanding,” flowing from justification What This Peace Produces • Confidence to draw near to God (Hebrews 4:16) • Freedom from condemnation (Romans 8:1) • Hope that will not disappoint (Romans 5:2-5) • Assurance of adoption as children (Romans 8:15-17) • Motivation for holy living—gratitude replaces fear (Titus 2:11-12) Living Out the Reality • Rest in Christ’s finished work when guilt arises • Preach the Gospel to yourself daily; your status never shifts • Pursue fellowship with God—peace opens the door to intimate communion • Extend forgiveness to others; reconciled people become reconcilers (2 Corinthians 5:18-19) |
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