What does Romans 5:1 mean?
What is the meaning of Romans 5:1?

Therefore

- The word looks back to everything Paul has just laid out, especially in Romans 3–4. God has proven that “a person is justified by faith apart from works of the Law” (Romans 3:28).

- It signals a logical conclusion: because the gospel facts are true, real benefits follow.

- Similar “therefore” moments appear in Hebrews 10:19 and Ephesians 2:19, where doctrinal truth immediately turns into practical blessing.


since we have been justified through faith

- Justification is a completed act—“have been justified”—not a process we finish later (Romans 4:23-25).

- It is “through faith,” never through human effort (Galatians 2:16; Ephesians 2:8-9).

- Faith itself rests on God’s promise, just as Abraham “believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness” (Genesis 15:6; Romans 4:3).

- Because the verdict is settled in God’s courtroom, the believer no longer fears condemnation (Romans 8:1).


we have peace with God

- This is objective peace, the end of hostility between sinner and holy God (Colossians 1:20-22).

- It flows directly from justification; no additional works or rituals are needed (Isaiah 53:5; Ephesians 2:14-16).

- Such peace produces inward assurance (John 14:27), but it exists even when feelings fluctuate.

- The present tense “have” underscores its continual reality.


through our Lord Jesus Christ

- Jesus is the sole mediator who makes justification and peace possible (1 Timothy 2:5; Acts 4:12).

- His atoning death satisfied divine justice (Romans 3:25-26) and His resurrection guarantees ongoing access to God (Hebrews 7:25).

- Calling Him “our Lord” emphasizes personal surrender to His authority (John 14:6) and shared fellowship within His body.


summary

Romans 5:1 teaches that, because Jesus has already secured our justification by faith, every believer now lives in an unbreakable state of peace with God. The verse moves from doctrinal foundation (“therefore”) to settled status (“justified”) to present blessing (“peace”) to the unchanging source (“our Lord Jesus Christ”). Confidence, assurance, and worship naturally follow from this finished work.

How does Romans 4:25 connect Jesus' death and resurrection to our sins and justification?
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