We have peace with God through Jesus Christ.
The result of justification — not just forgiveness, but reconciliation.
The episode in a glance.
- 01'Therefore' connects this to everything Paul has said about justification by faith.
- 02'Peace with God' means the war is over.
- 03'Through our Lord Jesus Christ' — peace is his achievement, not ours.
- 04We stand in grace, not just avoid punishment.
Read along.
Romans 5:1 — 'Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.' The word 'therefore' is doing heavy lifting. Paul has spent four chapters explaining that we're justified — declared righteous — by faith, not works.
And the result? Peace. Not just peace of mind. Not just inner calm. Peace with God. The war is over. The hostility is ended. The enmity that existed because of sin is removed. We're no longer enemies. We're reconciled.
'Through our Lord Jesus Christ.' This is his work. He made the peace. He brokered the treaty. He paid the price. We receive it by faith. We don't earn it. We don't negotiate it. We accept it.
And we don't just have peace. We have access. Verse 2 says we have obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand. Grace isn't a one-time event. It's a place. And we're standing in it.
This changes how you face life. You're not trying to earn God's favor. You already have it. You're not wondering if he's angry. He's at peace with you. That's the starting point. And everything else flows from there.