Romans 5:1-11
Introduction
Good morning, church! We all know that life can be difficult at times, and one of the greatest struggles we face is understanding how we can find peace with God. For many, the idea of standing before a perfect, holy God and being justified can seem almost impossible. It’s natural to feel guilty or unworthy, but the beautiful truth of the gospel is that through Jesus Christ, we are justified by faith.
In Romans 5:1-11, Paul speaks to this truth with clarity and depth. Justification is the foundation of our salvation. Through justification, we move from being God's enemies to being His beloved children, fully reconciled to Him through Christ. This passage reveals to us how justification by faith works and how it changes our lives, bringing peace, hope, and joy.
Let’s explore three key points from this passage:Peace with God through Justification (Romans 5:1-2)
Hope and Joy in Suffering (Romans 5:3-5)
God’s Love Demonstrated in Christ (Romans 5:6-11)
I. Peace with God through Justification (Romans 5:1-2)
Paul begins by declaring that “since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1). What does it mean to have peace with God? In our human relationships, peace is often understood as the absence of conflict or strife. But in the context of our relationship with God, peace is so much more than that.
Before we were justified, we were alienated from God. We were enemies of God because of our sin (Romans 5:10). Our sin separates us from the holy, righteous God who created us. But the moment we put our faith in Jesus Christ, something incredible happens: we are justified, meaning our sins are forgiven, and we are declared righteous. Justification means that we are no longer enemies of God; we are now His friends, His children, at peace with Him.
This peace is not just a fleeting feeling but a permanent, unshakable state. It’s the kind of peace that passes understanding, the kind that sustains us no matter what we face in life. Jesus made this peace possible through His death on the cross, where He bore our sins and reconciled us to God.
Paul also writes in verse 2, “Through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.” Not only are we justified and at peace with God, but we also have access to grace. This means we are continually enveloped in God’s unmerited favor. We can approach God with confidence, knowing that we are accepted because of Jesus.
Application:
For the believer, peace with God is a foundational truth. If you are struggling with feelings of condemnation, remember that your peace with God is secure in Christ. You don't have to strive or earn God’s favor—Jesus has already done that. Reflect on the amazing truth that you are no longer an enemy of God, but you are at peace with Him through the blood of Jesus Christ.
