Tuesday 3 June 2025
Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. (vs 1-2)
Background
In the earlier chapters of Romans Paul has been expounding the need for justification (1:8-3:20) and the ways of being justified (3:21-4:25) ('justified' is a legal term meaning ‘declared righteous’). There is even a micro summary of this teaching in 3:22. The New Living Translation of the Bible says; "We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are."
Justification is not something that we can earn. No amount of hard work and good intentions can bring it about. It is a gift freely given and obtained through faith. In chapter 4 Paul uses Abraham as an example of one who was justified by faith and not deeds. Faith is much more than an intellectual act, is it wholehearted trust. It is trust in Jesus and in the eternal ramifications of his death, resurrection and ascension to heaven.
In today’s reading we get a compelling summary of the benefits that come through being justified through faith in Jesus and it highlights the core blessings of grace and peace.
In verses 6-8 Paul gives a very brief account of the acts of Christ, the death for the ungodly and the undeserving, and this is where we see the grace (Greek: charis) of God. Christ died for us not because we deserved it, but because he is good. He offers a free gift of love and salvation to those who deserve judgement.
Through this gift of grace we can live in peace. It is not a peace that will protect us from the tribulations of world around us, but is a peace with God. Before faith in Christ, we were at odds with God, described in verse 10 as 'enemies' of God, but because of justification we are no longer enemies and enter into a new, reconciled, relationship with God, a peace that is objective not subjective.
We are invited to rest in the assurance that if we are in Christ, we are at peace with God. We do not need to fear his judgment. This peace should lead to gratitude, worship and a desire to walk in the Holy Spirit. It also calls us to share this message of reconciliation with others.
To Ponder:
- How does knowing you are justified by faith affect your view of God?
- What does it mean to rejoice in God personally?
Prayer
God of peace, thank you for justifying me through faith and giving me peace with you through Jesus Christ. Thank you for the grace in which I now stand and the hope I have in your glory. Amen.
Bible notes author: The Revd Stuart Reed
Stuart is a presbyter in the South East Cornwall Circuit and lives in Looe with his wife and their labrador. He is currently on a mission to find the best pasty and icecream in Cornwall.