Monday, February 3’s devotional. “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” – Romans 5:1 (CSB)
Before we came to Christ, we were not neutral before God. Mark said in his sermon, “Before Christ, we were at war with God. Whether we realized it or not, we were on the side of darkness—alienated, lost, and enemies of God.” But through Jesus, this hostility is replaced with peace. Not just a temporary truce but a permanent reconciliation. The war is over.
This peace is not something we achieve—it is something given. Mark explained, “God declares sinners righteous not by their works but by trusting in Him.” Justification is not about what we do; it is about what Christ has already done. This aligns with what our church affirms: “The Church is responsible for preaching the Gospel and for demonstrating and making known God’s will and care for all mankind.” This peace is part of the gospel message—we proclaim it, but only God grants it.
The world often defines peace as the absence of trouble. But biblical peace is far deeper. It is not the absence of trouble but the presence of God Himself. Mark stated, “Salvation looks like something. Faith is the root of salvation; peace with God, access to God, and the hope of the glory of God are fruits of salvation.” This peace is unshakable because it is anchored in God’s unchanging nature, not in our circumstances.
Romans 5:1 reminds us that this peace is through our Lord Jesus Christ. There is no other way to be reconciled with God. Many people try to create their own peace through self-effort, morality, or religious rituals, but the Bible is clear: peace with God only comes through faith in Christ.
This truth is central to our covenant as a church: “We will seek to live according to the Spirit and not according to the flesh, believing that God is holy and that those who seek to be called by His name must be holy too.” Living in the peace of justification transforms us—it moves us to walk in holiness, not out of fear but from a place of assurance and rest.
Are you resting in this peace today? Or are you still striving, still trying to earn what Christ has already accomplished? Lay down your efforts. Trust in the finished work of Jesus. The war is over.
Reflection Questions:
What does it mean to have peace with God?
How does justification by faith change your perspective on life’s struggles?
Prayer:
Father, thank You for the peace that comes through Jesus. Help me rest in His finished work, knowing that I am justified by faith. Let this peace shape my heart and my life. Amen.
This devotional content is not penned by the preacher. It is derived from the sermon notes. We aim to provide bite-sized reflections throughout the week for devotion and reflection.