Scripture tells us that the peace of God exceeds anything we can understand. But we can’t experience that peace unless we have peace with God. So, how do we get that peace?
Paul discusses it at the beginning of Romans 5. Just like everything else in Christianity, peace must be built upon the foundation of faith in God.
Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Romans 5:1
Putting our faith in Christ cleanses us of all sin, thus giving us peace with God. Also, built upon that same faith, we have other privileges.
Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. Romans 5:2
I love the phrase, “Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege.” A financially well-off family lived just down the road from my childhood home.
The kids, three boys, and a girl, got all the latest toys, bikes, clothes, and whatever. They always had money in their pockets. Plus, they got the first color television in the valley.
Why? Not because they had to earn or work for them. They didn’t get their childhood treasures because they deserved them. They got them because of the family they belonged to.
These kids found themselves in a place of undeserved privilege. That’s the same spiritual place the Apostle Paul said about where Jesus, our Savior, brought us.
Do we deserve this place of privilege graciously given to us by Jesus? No, we deserve nothing more than God’s judgment because of our sins.
Confidently Come to God
Instead, with this undeserved privilege afforded to us, we can confidently and joyfully share in God’s glory. Are you looking forward to sharing in the glory of God?
We can also rejoice right now in our faith because it allows us to enjoy the peace of God. It helps to strengthen our faith, and it builds our character through life’s difficulties
- We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials,
- for we know that they help us develop endurance and
- Endurance develops strength of character, and
- Character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.
- And this hope will not lead to disappointment.
- For we know how dearly God loves us,
- because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.Romans 5:3-5
The enemy of our souls wants us to fail and turn away from the Lord. God, however, has shown us in His Word that we can endure anything that comes at us. And we will grow.
- For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. James 1:3
- Supplement your faith with . . . patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, 2 Peter 1:5-6
- Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. Hebrews 10:36
- We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, Colossians 1:11
Endure to the End
Jesus spoke to His disciples about the trying times that will happen on the earth before He comes again. He sent a clear message for people to hang on without giving up.
Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. Matthew 24:12-13
When will Jesus come again? We don’t know. How often have you said, “Jesus, this would be a good time for you to return?” I have said it quite a few times myself.
Have you ever heard the saying, God is seldom early, but He never shows up late? That seems to be a part of His character. But we can count on Him to always show up on time.
When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Romans 5:6
Jesus always reaches His hand to those helplessly stuck in the gutter of sin. Sometimes, though, they won’t take His hand. But He willingly offers to help the helpless.
With every bone in my body I will praise him: “Lord, who can compare with you? Who else rescues the helpless from the strong? Who else protects the helpless and poor from those who rob them?” Psalm 35:10
The enemy of our souls will try to make us feel helpless. In the Gospel of John, Jesus described the character of Satan, a thief, and his intentions.
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; John 10:10
Paul talked about God’s greatest asset, His love. God exhibited His love when He sent Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice for sin.
God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. Romans 5:8
We get Peace with God Through Jesus
Jesus died for sinners. That includes everyone. He loves us and forgives all the sins we have committed, which allows us to have peace with God.
When we accept what Jesus did for us, we escape all the condemnation sin puts on us. Through His blood, we can live in peace, knowing God sees no wrong in us.
And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. Romans 5:9
So rejoice! When we put our faith in Jesus, we are no longer helpless. He made us right in God’s sight. And we have peace with God because we experience the peace of God.
So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God. Romans 5:11
Lord, I cherish the fact that through your Son Jesus, you consider me your friend. Thank you, God, for blessing me with your peace.
Check out these related posts on Peace.
- Perfect Peace In An Imperfect Situation
- Complete Joy And Peace Come From God
- How To Grow Into Spiritual Maturity
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