By Jerry Senn
“Having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
— Romans 5:1
Why does being “justified” bring “peace with God?” The term “justified” means to be “made righteous” — not something we achieve, even when we’re doing our best. His righteousness is imputed to us in spite of our goodness, because of Jesus’ blood sacrifice.
Why is this such a valued blessing? Paul wrote: “Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when God displaces worry at the center of your life” (Philippians 4:7 — The Message).
As the songwriter put it:
Peace, perfect peace,
in this dark world of sin;
The blood of Jesus
whispers peace within.
Peace perfect peace,
by thronging duties pressed;
To do the will of Jesus
this is rest.
Peace, perfect peace,
with sorrows surging round;
On Jesus bosom
naught but calm is found.
It is enough: earth’s
struggles soon shall cease,
And Jesus calls us
to heaven’s perfect peace.
(Edward H Bickersteth, w 1875)
# 479