Justification

Romans 5:1-2: "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God."

We are placed in new relationship to God, resulting in peace. “We are no longer the objects of God’s displeasure” (Hodge). A popular definition of justification is this: it’s “just as if I’d never sinned.” The only righteousness God accepts is His own. Jesus supplies what God demands. As a result, the weight of our guilt is gone. We are already in Heaven legally--and there is no hassle at the border!

Forgiveness is negative--justification is positive. Forgiveness deals with sin that has been committed and pardoned; justification deals with the new position and relationship of the restored believer. Justification is a permanent yet progressive gift.

This new position results in “peace”--not referring to calm serenity but the resolution of conflict/cessation of hostility; a condition, not a feeling. God is at peace with us. The war/conflict is over; we’ve accepted God’s terms for peace. Those who rely on works to save can have no peace.

What does it mean to you personally to have peace with God?