One of Webster’s definitions of the word “peace” is “a state of tranquillity or quiet.” Another related definition is “freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions.” And some people assume that is what Paul means in Romans 5:1.
“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (5:1)
But Paul starts with “Therefore”. He is connecting this to all his teaching on the gospel, Christ’s imputed righteousness by faith. And I’m sorry, but I just don’t see the connection that God sacrificed His Son so I could avoid “oppressive emotions.” I think the problem being resolved is much greater than that.
The verse also has a mirror in Romans 8:1:
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
If there is “therefore now no” condemnation, then at one time, there must have BEEN condemnation.
And I think it’s the same in chapter 5. If “therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace,” then at one time we must have been at war.
At war… with God. That’s not a very comforting thought. And most of us don’t feel that way. Well, yes, we know that Jesus died for our sins, but we weren’t at war with God. We love God. We have tried our best, and just fallen a little short. But I don’t think that’s an accurate picture of our situation.
Let’s say you are a wife. I know that may not be true for you. You may be single. You may be a man. But for the ease of the illustration, let’s say you are a wife.
If you are a wife, how many affairs is it okay for your husband to have? 10? 5? 1? I believe the answer we are looking for is NONE.
If your husband chooses to give his love and affection to another even just one time, are you at peace or at war?
You are at war. And Jesus is much more deserving of our loyalty and love than any wife could ever be. Every time we choose something else over God is an act of war. Every sin, every failure, an act of war.
So our justification by faith is a huge deal. It is not just accomplishing peace of mind; it is putting us on the same team as the almighty God of the universe.
Thoughts?
Todd
Well Todd, I’m just a simple girl,
so my comments will be simple ones.
When
I read this passage of scripture: “we have peace with God through our Lord
Jesus Christ”, it isn’t as much my state of mind as it is the state of my
relationship with God that’s being addressed. When I’m in right relationship with God my outward
circumstances are dimmed and I find peace in my relationship with him. I find peace because of the state of my
relationship with Him. (Sorry, my brain
is tired, so this may not make as much sense as I hope).
A secondary product of that state of relationship
with Christ is “a state of tranquility or quiet” and a “freedom from disquieting
or oppressive thoughts or emotions”. It
becomes the best of both worlds, and it’s all a result of His love and
sacrifice and my responding to His generous invitation.
Be blessed my Friend!
This is the second time I’m posting this, but since the first time isn’t showing up, I’m going ahead with the second post. Therefore, if this gets double posted, I’m blaming the World Wide Web. 🙂
Well Todd, I’m just a simple girl,
so my comments will be simple ones. When
I read this passage of scripture: “we have peace with God through our Lord
Jesus Christ”, it isn’t as much my state of mind as it is the state of my
relationship with God that’s being addressed. When I’m in right relationship with God my outward
circumstances are dimmed and I find peace in my relationship with him. I find peace because of the state of my
relationship with Him. (Sorry, my brain
is tired, so this may not make as much sense as I hope). A secondary product of that state of relationship
with Christ is “a state of tranquility or quiet” and a “freedom from disquieting
or oppressive thoughts or emotions”. It
becomes the best of both worlds, and it’s all a result of His love and
sacrifice and my responding to His generous invitation.
Be blessed my Friend!
That’s a sobering thought that we are/were at war with God because we, as a human race from the beginning, have aligned ourselves with God’s enemy.
Over 50 years ago, Billy Graham wrote, “The greatest warfare going on in the world today is between mankind and God. People may not realize that they are at war with God, but if they don’t know Jesus Christ as their Savior . . . God considers them to be at war with Him.” (Peace With God)
It’s amazing that God took the first step of reconciliation toward us even though we were living in open rebellion against him. When the angels announced Jesus’ birth, they mentioned it would result in peace among men. Jesus took upon himself the role of mediator and literally became the Prince of Peace by his death on our behalf. When you read the end of the book about the war that ensues between God and his enemies, it is comforting to know that Jesus has placed us in a position of peace on God’s team.
I like the analogy of a wife/husband relationship because it helps in understanding the affection of God toward us. By saying we have peace “with” God it suggests a face-to-face, intimate relationship.
The same Greek word for “peace” in the New Testament was used as a greeting or farewell, as in “peace be with you”, to signify the presence of tranquility and wholeness, or the end of conflict. I agree with you that this verse is probably talking more about the end of conflict/war with God, but the fruit of that cessation of war results in our healing and well-being.
One of the last gifts Jesus gave his disciples was peace (John 14:27) through the indwelling Holy Spirit. That type of peace (beyond human comprehension) is what gives us comfort and strength through the storms of life and enables us to live in peace with others.
Peace with God is a pretty big deal!
Pingback: Wednesdays in the Word with Todd Agnew (Romans 5:1) | FreeCCM
This is so true and it is why repentance toward God is necessary. Our justification is by faith in Jesus Christ, but many have forgotten that before we can be a friend of God we have to hand over our sword first in an act of surrender. The Bible calls this change of mind “repentance.” A relationship with God is only possible through an attitude of repentance toward God (surrender) and faith in Jesus Christ (belief). I believe that before we will ever see revival, we will have to resurrect the preaching of repentance. The only way this can happen is to realize that we are at war.