God’s Grace in Romans | By Faith We Have Peace With God |
We saw from our last discussion that Jesus died for us and upon his due satisfaction of divine justice, he was raised to life.
Then the apostle continues;
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: Romans 5:1
Objectively, faith does not justify any man. It is God that justifies. Faith only receives the justification procured by Christ.
Hence, subjectively, we are justified by faith and the results of our justification by faith are that “we have peace with God”
God has always loved man and has never changed his mind. When Adam fell, God did not altogether forsake man, but some obstacles came between God and man.
The throne of God is established with the scepter of righteousness, and upon man’s decision to choose unrighteousness, divine justice and the law of God now stood between God’s love for man.
On the part of man, sin, rebellion, and guilt stood right between him and God. Condemnation and the fear of God’s wrath removed peace from our hearts.
Then one day we heard the good news declared by the heavenly host;
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men. Luke 2:14
At first glance, I thought the angels pronounced peace on earth, therefore, no more wars and rumors of wars. Families enjoying on every side, however, Jesus said the opposite of that.
Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. Matthew 10:34
So what then were the angels declaring at the birth of Jesus?
It was that divine justice would now be satisfied by the savior and God’s “good will towards men” would be realized. The obstacles that stood between God’s love and man are now removed. God and man are no longer enemies.
On the side of man, the sins that separated him from a holy God, his inability to fulfill the law of righteousness will be removed. Sins taken out and righteousness given to him as a gift “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:“
The only place the believer can experience the peace of God is through faith in what Christ has done. Before we are saved, we cannot please God. And after we are saved, it is still the same. We please God only by faith (Hebrews 11:6). We are to continue the same way we came in (Colossians 2:6).
Sadly, many of us have begun in the Spirit but are now seeking to be made perfect by the flesh which is why there is no peace in our hearts.
You cannot perform enough to be accepted by God, you can only rest in what Christ has done and receive the blessings of God in his peace. Christianity becomes awesome when we believe and walk in this truth.
For we hear;
By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:2
What gives us access to the riches of God’s grace is faith. The word used above for access is from the Greek word ‘prosagoge’ which means ‘admission’ (Strong’s Concordance).
By faith, we gain admission into God’s unconditional and inexhaustible grace. By faith, we stand in God’s wealth free of charge.
When we stand here we ” rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” A lot of us only rejoice when our outward circumstances look pleasing. When things go the way we have desired we praise God and are joyful.
Then something goes wrong, all of sudden we are angry at God and bitter in our hearts. We start asking God to give us joy as though he took it away. What changed was our focus. By faith, we consistently stand in the grace of God.
And because of this faith in his grace, we have hope and we rejoice continually for this good news never changes. Since we stand in his grace, whatsoever comes against us the favor of God swallows it up and gives us the victory. Hallelujah!
Confession
Heavenly Father, blessed be your name for coming after me. You have leveled mountains, broken through all barriers just to reduce a sinner like me.
Today by faith in your love through Christ I have received peace with you. I stand today in the riches of your grace. I stand in divine health, full of life, joy, and prosperity. My life is a manifestation of your glory. Praise Jesus!
Prophetic Insight
In an encounter with the Lord, I saw a ceremonial feast and I heard the Lord say “I have now given you the promise”
Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he is lord of all; But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father. Galatians 4:1-2
As I sat with the Lord, I heard “Dear Child, this is the appointed time, this is the time for the manifestation of the promise. I have now given you the promise, so do not be afraid.
The doors that have refused to open in the past will now open, for before this time, I was still preparing you for your inheritance.
Walk in your authority and see things change, I have given you charge over your inheritance. This is the time of my glorious will being fulfilled in your life. “
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor Jahfas Victor Ahua
Living Hill Christian Church