Romans 5:1–5 (ESV) —
1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
NOTE: Since justification is by faith and is completed in Jesus, we have peace with God for all time. We never have to worry about doing enough or losing our justification. We are part of the family and his love is permanent. We are truly his children, adopted into the family, unlike many who think being born in God's image makes them God's child -- it does not. It is by faith that we are restored into a right relationship with God that has been broken since the fall in Eden. We chose to be our own gods, and God warned us that we would not like the results. But now, finally, we have peace, true peace. We can rest completely, knowing our future hope is secure. There is still a process (I call it sanctification) which changes us more and more into his likeness here on earth. But salvation is secure.
PONDER:
- Have I truly put my faith in Jesus' work on the cross?
- Am I experiencing the promised peace with God? If not, why?
PRAYER: Father, I do have peace with you. I have felt it in my life throughout the decades since I believed and received Jesus. I can face the end of life with confidence, knowing my reward is in heaven (not here on earth). Thank you!
No comments:
Post a Comment