THE GIFT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS #14

The Word of God states: 'Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.'

'Justification' translates the same Greek word as 'righteousness'. To be 'justified' is to be 'declared righteous', that is, to be acquitted.

This verse teaches us that because we have been declared righteous, because we have been acquitted through faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul is not speaking here about a feeling of peace. He is talking about a fact: we have peace with God. A state of peace now exists where once there was the fear of judgment. A state of peace exists where once there was guilt and blame. A state of peace exists where once there was condemnation.

Not because we have personally ceased to be guilty. Not because we have achieved perfection by our keeping of God's law. Not because we are no longer worthy of condemnation. But through our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Letter to the Hebrews points out that the once-for-all substitutionary sacrifice of Christ has the power to rid our consciences of guilt.

The Letter to the Colossians teaches us that God presents us to himself 'holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation', reconciling us to himself through the body of Christ.

Romans 8 affirms that no one can ever again bring an accusation against those who are in Christ, and by that accusation cut us off from the love of God.

We have peace with God ' through our Lord Jesus Christ. Right now. At this very moment. As a present, permanent, personal possession.

Let us praise his amazing grace.

Scripture: Romans 5:1; Hebrews 9 and 10; Colossians 1:22; Romans 8:31-39.