Peace with God
by Stuart Gray
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Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand (Romans 5:1,2a).
Read Romans 5:1–11
When we stand for something, we make a show of conviction and often moral courage. The famous phrase, ‘Here I stand, I can do no other’, is attributed to Martin Luther when he refused to recant his writings that challenged the authority of the Catholic Church. Taking a stand can be very powerful.
But to ‘stand in’ something is to be immersed in and surrounded by that thing.
To stand in faith means to remain steadfast and unwavering in one’s beliefs, especially during challenging times. It involves trusting in God’s promises, remaining committed to his word and persevering in the face of adversity. It’s not just about an intellectual understanding of doctrine, but also about a deep, lived-out faith that impacts every aspect of life.
This part of Paul’s letter to the Romans (and to us) is yet another rich, faith-affirming passage that explores the themes of justification by faith, peace with God, hope, and God’s love demonstrated through Christ.
It presents a new way of looking at life. Even suffering takes on a new meaning.
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us (Romans 5:3–5).
Suffering is not meaningless. If we view suffering as something with meaning, it shapes our character and deepens our hope in the salvation promised to us.
Paul then says that while we were powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Paul says very rarely someone would die for another person, ‘But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us’ (verse 8).
Through Christ’s death, we are put in a new and right relationship with God – we have peace with God. This is not just an inner peace but a reconciliation with God. How amazing is that?
Through Christ, we are justified by his blood, but also through Christ, we are reconciled with God. Such deep and abiding peace is available to all.
Heavenly Father, with awe and humility, we give you thanks for sending your Son to die for us, even though we are sinners. We rejoice in the peace we have with you through Christ’s blood. With the help of the Holy Spirit, spread that peace we have with you throughout our families, communities and all peoples. Amen.
Stuart is retired and, with his wife Pamela Dalgliesh, lives in Mansfield, Victoria. Stuart has a background in agricultural science, rural journalism and corporate affairs. He now loves living a peaceful life on a small farm in the beautiful High Country of Victoria. He mentors learner drivers and is a Red Cross Patient Transport driver. Stuart is also involved in the Mansfield Anglican church and the Mansfield community.
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