“Therefore"

“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1 ESV)

We have peace with God. Many do not want to hear or believe in the wrath of God, but it is critical that we all know God demands justice from every single sinner. That justice will take place by the sin being borne by Christ for those who come to faith in His finished work, or by the sinner in hell.  Hell is not a threat; it is a truth. Hell exists, and Christ told us to fear it: “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28) The one with that power is our almighty God.

In our justification, our being made right with God through grace, by faith in Christ, we have peace with God. Yet here is something that many do not realize. Not only do we have peace with God, but we have the peace of God. We are made right with God, and we can enjoy our real living relationship with our Creator. That is the purpose of salvation, to be made right with God and to become an adopted child of God.

If you are a Christian, you may have been asked by another younger Christian or a non-believer how you can have such “peace” when the world is falling apart around you. The answer is simple to say but for some much harder to understand. As one matures in faith, one realizes that God truly is in control of all things. We can see His hands at work in our lives, while those new in faith may not see His work at all.

We have the peace of God because Christ dwells in us, His Spirit walks with us, in us every single day. When the new heart of flesh comes to realize this, all the clutter and noise in our lives become silent. Being new in faith, we may struggle with the fact that we will sin despite our best efforts. It is then the tempter comes and accuses, he mocks, and tells us lies, trying to lead us away from our sins. Have faith, Paul told us in 1 Corinthians, “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” (12:9) God’s grace and mercy by which we are saved, is enough for us to believe and have faith that all of our sins past, present, and future have been paid for by Christ.

This is where our peace comes from. This is why we fret not about the world and its events, its immorality, and its twisting of good into evil and evil into good. We have peace because of Christ, and that peace rests in us.

As we mature in Christ, this peace continues to grow and envelope us, calming us. Yet we will still sin, and the conviction of our sin becomes stronger. As conviction becomes stronger, we become stronger in Christ, turning our backs on those stubborn sins the enemy uses to trap us. Even in our repentance, our peace in Christ becomes stronger.

Paul wrote, "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:7) This applies to Christians, but most certainly to non-believers. Yet our peace will draw others to Christ. They want the peace we have and, like a moth to a flame, will draw closer and closer to the light of Christ that emanates from each believer.

Have you been drawn to the light? Are you tired of the confusion, the anger, and immorality of the world? Do you want peace? True peace can come only through salvation by faith in Christ Jesus. Seek Him today, do not wait, do not think, Oh, I'll do it tomorrow. My friends, God gives us every breath we breathe, and tomorrow you may stand before the white throne of judgment. Please face God as a believer saved through faith in His risen Son. We will weep for those who stand before Him as enemies. The wrath of God is frightening and should make all tremble at His power and glory.

Be a friend, not a foe, to the one living God, for His love and grace are endless.

Grace and Peace.