Peace with God through Our Lord Jesus Christ

This blog post comprehensively examines how believers have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, as articulated in Romans 5:1–5. The discussion is rooted in a rigorous exegetical analysis of the ESV Bible passage and engages with the original language nuances while integrating perspectives from peer-reviewed theological scholarship. The study explores the transformative implications of justification by faith, standing in grace, and the subsequent development of perseverance, character, and hope. Through this analysis, the post affirms the evangelical understanding of salvation and invites readers to reflect on the profound peace that comes only through the atoning work of Jesus Christ.

Anecdotally, one day, a family visited a Church that sang an old hymn. A little girl ordered peas at lunch despite her previous dislike for them. When asked by her father, she replied, “It was the song at Church, the one about sweet peas, the gift of God’s love.” This memory encapsulates the experiential reality of divine peace. The “Sweet Peace, the Gift of God’s Love” hymn proclaims that “through Christ on the cross, peace was made.” This anecdote illustrates the everyday encounter with divine truth. It underscores the idea that the original Peacemaker, Jesus Christ, reconciles us with God and transforms our daily existence.

Within theology, the doctrine of justification by faith stands as one of the central pillars of the Gospel. Romans 5:1–5 provides a succinct yet profound exposition of the benefits that flow from being justified by faith. According to the Apostle Paul, believers are granted peace with God—a state in which the divine judgment against sin is fully satisfied through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. The passage not only asserts the legal declaration of righteousness but also speaks to the present experiential reality of standing in grace and the transformative power of tribulation in developing perseverance, character, and hope.

This discussion is of immense significance because it bridges the theoretical underpinnings of justification with the practical outworking of a believer’s life. The Apostle Paul’s theological articulation in Romans 5:1–5 addresses salvation's judicial and experiential aspects. By engaging with legal terminology and the emotive language of hope and love, Paul provides a robust framework for understanding how reconciliation with God initiates a dynamic relationship between the believer and the Divine.

Moreover, the passage is rich with implications for the Church’s mission. Just as the little girl in the anecdote was moved by a hymn that reminded her of God’s love, every believer is called to be a peacemaker who introduces others to the life-changing experience of reconciliation with God. In this way, the doctrinal truths of justification and peace are theoretical and serve as a powerful impetus for evangelism and discipleship within the Church.

Exegetical Analysis of Romans 5:1–5

Textual Context and Structure

Romans 5:1–5 (English Standard Version) reads as follows:

"Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us." (Romans 5:1–5, ESV)

This passage serves as a summation of Paul’s argument concerning justification and its benefits. The rhetorical structure moves from the legal declaration of peace (verses 1–2) to the transformative process of sanctification through tribulation (verses 3–5).

Justification by Faith and the Attainment of Peace

The opening clause, "since we have been justified by faith," introduces the central premise of Paul’s argument. The term justified is derived from the Greek word δικαιόομαι (dikaioomai), which implies being declared righteous before God. This legal terminology suggests that, before justification, humanity stood condemned under the divine law as articulated in earlier Romans chapters (see Romans 1:18–3:20). However, believers are acquitted through the atoning sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ. The righteous decree of God is extended to them by faith. Scholars have emphasized that this justification is not meritorious but is solely an act of divine grace.

The subsequent clause, "We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ," is particularly striking because it conveys a relational shift. The Greek word for peace, εἰρήνη (eirene), carries the connotation of both a cessation of enmity and the establishment of a harmonious relationship. In this context, peace with God signifies that the enmity caused by sin has been nullified through Christ’s redemptive work. Paul’s use of "through our Lord Jesus Christ" underscores the mediatory role of Jesus, affirming that reconciliation with God is attainable solely based on His sacrificial death on the cross (Wright, 2006).

Access to Grace and the Standing of Faith

The passage continues, "Through Him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand." Here, the metaphor of access is reminiscent of an introduction to the presence of a monarch, where Christ serves as the one who grants believers entry into the very courts of heaven. The phrase "grace in which we stand" employs the perfect tense in Greek, implying that this position of favor is not transient but a permanent status conferred upon believers. The language of standing denotes stability and continuity; it is not merely a future promise but an immediate reality. The emphasis on faith as the means of access reinforces the evangelical assertion that salvation is not the result of human works but a gift received by faith.

In examining the original Greek, the concept of χάρις (charis) is central. This term, often translated as "grace," encapsulates God's unmerited favor and the sustaining power that enables believers to persevere in their spiritual journey. The lexicon highlights that grace is the source of salvation and the foundation upon which the believer’s daily walk is built.

Rejoicing in Hope Amid Tribulation

The final portion of the passage (verses 3–5) introduces the paradoxical concept of rejoicing in suffering. Paul writes, "We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope." This sequence outlines a transformative process wherein tribulation becomes the crucible for spiritual growth. It is imperative to note that the term "sufferings" (θλῖψις, thlipsis) in the New Testament does not merely refer to minor inconveniences but signifies substantial trials that test the believer’s faith.

The progression from suffering to hope illustrates the dynamic process of sanctification. Endurance, or perseverance (ὑπομονή, hypomonē), emerges as a necessary response to the hardships faced by believers. As endurance matures, it gives rise to the character (often rendered as μορφή or χαρακτήρ in Greek), which in turn cultivates hope. This hope is not a vague optimism but a confident expectation grounded in the assurance of God’s ultimate glory. Paul concludes that "hope does not put us to shame," for God's love has been "poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us." The imagery of God’s love being poured out evokes an abundant, unmerited favor that transcends human understanding. The role of the Holy Spirit is critical here, as He is the divine agent who internalizes the reality of God’s love in the believer's heart (Brown, 2012).

Etymological and Lexical Considerations

A closer examination of key Greek terms enhances our understanding of the passage. The term δικαιόομαι (dikaioomai), translated as "justified," not only connotes a legal acquittal but also reflects the relational restoration between God and humanity. The word εἰρήνη (eirene), meaning "peace," is not a passive state but an active, transformative force that reorients the believer's life toward divine reconciliation. Furthermore, χάρις (charis) underscores the concept of unmerited favor, emphasizing that standing in grace is a perpetual gift rather than a fleeting emotional state.

Scholars have noted that the original language of the New Testament provides a rich tapestry of meaning that is often obscured in translation. For instance, the perfect tense used in describing the believers’ standing in grace implies an enduring state secured by Christ’s finished work on the cross. This understanding is crucial for appreciating the theological depth of Paul’s argument, as it underscores the permanence and security of the believer’s position before God.

Theological Discussion

The Doctrine of Justification and Reconciliation

The evangelical perspective firmly upholds that justification by faith is the cornerstone of salvation. The Apostle Paul’s exposition in Romans 5:1–5 serves as a doctrinal foundation for understanding how sinners, once at war with God, are reconciled to Him through the redemptive work of our Lord Jesus Christ. This reconciliation is not merely a legal declaration but a transformative process that redefines the believer’s identity and relationship with God. Evangelicals assert that the righteousness of God is imputed to the believer, thereby converting a state of enmity into one of divine fellowship and peace.

The legal framework of justification, as articulated by Paul, is deeply intertwined with the concept of divine grace. Evangelical theology emphasizes that human beings cannot earn salvation through works but are saved solely by grace through faith. This doctrine is encapsulated in the phrase, "since we have been justified by faith," highlighting that the believer’s right standing before God is entirely the result of Christ’s sacrificial death and resurrection.

The Experiential Reality of Peace

Peace with God, as described in Romans 5:1, is not a superficial tranquility but an assurance of eternal reconciliation. This peace is rooted in the historical event of the cross, where Jesus bore the penalty for sin. In affirming that "we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ," Paul communicates that the conflict between human sinfulness and divine holiness has been decisively resolved. Evangelicals interpret this peace as both an objective reality—the cessation of divine wrath—and a subjective experience manifested in the believer’s life.

The experiential dimension of this peace is further illuminated in the narrative of the little girl who was moved by the hymn "Sweet Peace, the Gift of God’s Love." Her innocent association of a seemingly mundane element—a plate of peas—with the profound truth of divine love exemplifies how the Gospel permeates even the simplest moments of life. It is a reminder that our peace with God is not only doctrinally significant but also experientially transformative. Every believer is called to embody this peace, both in personal piety and in the mission of the Church to spread the Gospel.

The Role of the Holy Spirit in Sustaining Peace

The passage culminates with the declaration, "God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us." This statement underscores the indispensable role of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life. The outpouring of divine love is not contingent upon human effort; instead, it manifests the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. Evangelical scholars argue that the Spirit’s indwelling presence assures believers of their permanent position in God’s favor and empowers them to live lives marked by peace and resilience in tribulation.

Theologically, the Holy Spirit is seen as the guarantor of both the present and future blessings of salvation. In the evangelical framework, the Spirit’s work is twofold: He confirms the believer's adoption as a child of God and nurtures the virtues of endurance, character, and hope. This dynamic interplay between divine grace and human experience forms the bedrock of the evangelical understanding of sanctification.

The Transformative Power of Tribulation

One of the more challenging aspects of Romans 5:3–5 is the exhortation to "rejoice in our sufferings." Evangelical theology does not advocate a glorification of pain for its own sake; instead, it recognizes that tribulation is an inevitable aspect of the Christian journey. The process by which suffering produces endurance, character, and, ultimately, hope is emblematic of the sanctifying work of God in the believer’s life. Peer-reviewed studies have documented that trials, when met with steadfast faith, can result in profound spiritual growth and maturity (Morris, 2008).

From an evangelical perspective, the willingness to endure tribulation is a mark of genuine faith. The progression from suffering to hope is not linear but cyclical; each trial deepens the believer’s reliance on God’s grace. As endurance builds character, the believer is transformed from within—an ethical and spiritual transformation. This transformative process is integral to the evangelical vision of a Church that is constantly being renewed and sanctified by the work of the Holy Spirit.

Implications for Evangelical Practice and Church Life

The doctrinal truths encapsulated in Romans 5:1–5 have significant implications for individual believers and the Church. Firstly, the assurance of peace with God forms the basis for a confident and unshaken faith. Believers are reminded that their standing before God is not conditional upon their performance but is secured by Christ’s finished work. This assurance has practical ramifications for personal piety, as it frees believers from the anxiety of trying to earn divine favor and encourages them to live in the freedom of grace.

Secondly, the Church is called to be a community of peacemakers. Just as the little girl in the anecdote was influenced by the hymn that proclaimed God’s love, every member of the Church is commissioned to share the Gospel—the message that reconciles humanity to God. Evangelical praxis emphasizes the importance of discipleship, evangelism, and communal worship as means by which the peace of God is experienced and transmitted. In this way, the theological insights of Romans 5:1–5 serve as a rallying cry for a Church that is deeply engaged in both the proclamation and the embodiment of the Gospel.

Lastly, the role of tribulation in producing perseverance, character, and hope offers a framework for pastoral care. Pastors and Church leaders are encouraged to view the challenges believers face not as divine retribution but as opportunities for growth. This perspective fosters a resilient faith community that trusts in the providential care of God, even amid trials. This approach has been supported by peer-reviewed research that emphasizes the positive psychological and spiritual outcomes associated with a robust theology of suffering.

Conclusion

The exposition of Romans 5:1–5 herein reaffirms the conviction that peace with God is available solely through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through a meticulous exegetical analysis of the ESV text and an exploration of key Greek terms such as δικαιόομαι (justified) and εἰρήνη (peace), this study has demonstrated that the believer’s reconciliation with God is both a legal declaration and an experiential reality. The passage affirms that justification by faith secures a permanent standing in divine grace—a status that is not only doctrinally significant but also practically transformative.

Furthermore, the discussion has illuminated how tribulation functions as the crucible for spiritual growth rather than being a sign of divine abandonment. The progression from suffering to hope encapsulates the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in the believer’s life. Therefore, theology sees life's challenges as opportunities for deepening faith and character maturation, ultimately reinforcing the hope that does not put us to shame.

For the Church, Romans 5:1–5's message is a call to personal assurance and communal mission. Believers are invited to reflect on the profound peace that comes from being reconciled to God and to become instruments of that peace in a world that is often characterized by discord and strife. The assurance that "God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit" serves as both a comfort and a mandate—a comfort in knowing that our relationship with God is secure and a mandate to share that same love with others.

The theological significance of Romans 5:1–5 lies in its dual emphasis on the legal and experiential dimensions of salvation. Justification by faith transforms the believer’s status before God from condemnation to eternal peace. At the same time, the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit nurtures a resilient faith capable of enduring tribulation. As the little girl recalled the hymn that connected a simple act—ordering peas—to the profound truth of divine love, so too are believers reminded that every aspect of life can serve as an encounter with the Gospel. May the Church continue to celebrate and proclaim that through our Lord Jesus Christ, we have peace with God—a peace that transforms hearts, sustains hope, and empowers us to be peacemakers in a world in desperate need of the love and grace of God.