What a profound and life-giving passage we find in Romans 5:1-5! Let us meditate together on the glorious truth that because of Jesus Christ, we who were once enemies of God have been justified—declared righteous—not by our own works, but by faith in Him alone. This is the very foundation of our peace with God, and it is a peace that transcends all understanding.
The passage reminds us that our justification is not earned but received by grace through faith. As Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us, *"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, that no one would boast."* This is the heart of the Gospel: that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). There is no greater love, no greater sacrifice, and no greater hope than this.
Yet, we must also recognize that this peace with God does not mean a life free from trials. In fact, Romans 5:3-4 tells us that *"we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope."* Our suffering is not meaningless—it is part of God’s refining work in us, shaping us into the image of Christ. And in this process, we are filled with hope, *"because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us"* (Romans 5:5).
But let us also take a moment to address something critical: this peace, this hope, this justification is only possible through Jesus Christ. There is no other name by which we can be saved (Acts 4:12). If we try to approach God on our own merit, through other religions, or even through good works apart from faith in Christ, we will fall short. Jesus Himself said, *"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me"* (John 14:6). This is not a message of exclusion but of love—God has provided *the* way for us to be reconciled to Him, and that way is Jesus.
So let us pray with hearts full of gratitude and surrender:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with humble and thankful hearts, acknowledging that we were once Your enemies, separated from You by our sin. But through the precious blood of Jesus Christ, we have been justified—declared righteous—not by our own works, but by faith in Him. Lord, we rejoice in this peace that surpasses all understanding, a peace that guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).
Father, we ask that You deepen our understanding of this truth. Help us to walk in the reality of our justification, not returning to the bondage of trying to earn Your favor, but resting in the finished work of Christ. When trials come—and they will—remind us that our suffering is not in vain. Use it to produce perseverance, character, and hope in us, so that we may grow more like Jesus.
We pray for those who may be reading this and do not yet know this peace. Lord, open their eyes to see their need for a Savior. Draw them to Yourself, that they may repent and place their faith in Jesus Christ alone for salvation. May they experience the joy of being reconciled to You, knowing that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1).
And Father, we ask for a fresh outpouring of Your Holy Spirit in our lives. Fill us with Your love, that we may overflow with hope and share this Good News with a world that is desperate for peace. Let our lives be a testament to Your grace, that others may see Christ in us and be drawn to Him.
We pray all these things in the mighty and holy name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Beloved, if you have never surrendered your life to Jesus Christ, we urge you to do so today. The Bible tells us that *"if you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved"* (Romans 10:9). There is no greater decision you can make than to turn from your sin and trust in Christ alone for your salvation. If you have done this, then rejoice! You are at peace with God, and nothing can separate you from His love (Romans 8:38-39).
Let us hold fast to this truth and live in the freedom and hope that comes from being justified by faith. May we never take for granted the cost of our redemption, but instead, live lives that honor and glorify our Lord Jesus Christ in all we do.
