6/15 Romans 5:1

¹ Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul has reasoned that just as Abraham was justified by faith and counted as righteous, we, too, can be made right with God by believing God's message through Jesus. Jesus said He came to be our ransom (Matthew 20:28). If we believe in Him, we will not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16). Paul had been told by the apostles that this was Jesus' teaching, but he had to verify it from the Old Testament Scriptures to be certain.

Now that we are made right with God, we are at peace with God. We don't need to fear judgment. God may discipline us in this life, but God will not condemn us. An easy way to remember the meaning of justified is to realize that my faith in Jesus means that in God's eyes it is just as if I'd never sinned. His holiness no longer demands just punishment on my life, for Jesus received that punishment in my place.

This peace is a wonderful possession. We can face death without fear. We can know that our loved ones in Christ will be waiting for us on the other side. God will welcome us into His kingdom. So many people live with a continual fear of death and are uncertain about tomorrow, but we need fear no longer (Hebrews 2:15). Come what may we are at peace with Almighty God who holds our future in His hands.

Consider: If we realize this truth and live in it, the world will see our worry-free countenance and want to know how they can have the same peace.