Being justified, having peace

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5:1-2

In the apostle Paul's letter to the Romans, he has made a case like a trial lawyer: all stand guilty before God in unrighteousness, but the righteousness that comes from God has been revealed in the gospel of Jesus Christ. At the cross, the Son of God was made to be an atoning sacrifice for sins so that all who believe in Christ and receive this sacrificial payment by faith might be declared righteous. God is both just in adhering to the standards of His law (the soul that sins shall die) and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

And what is the result of this great work of God, the justification of sinners? We have peace with God. Many are those who, when they stop the ears from the noises and distractions of this wicked generation, can hear the cry of their souls: “where can I find peace?” From an early age, it is normal to discern this voice even though it may be difficult to determine its purpose. Why do I behave in this way? Why do I fear death? Can I find rest from my troubles? Is there lasting satisfaction to be found in material wealth, accomplishments, and worldly pleasures? Ultimately the answer is “no” because nothing within a man's own strength can repair the rip in one's heart caused by alienation from God due to our sin condition. But God acted outside of us, on our behalf to repair the rip and bridge the gap so that we who were the object of his wrath might be reconciled, introduced into a state of grace, and called friend.