Objective peace
Jobs change. Life-styles change. Values change. Pressures pound us and create headaches. Conflicts arise both externally and internally. We feel dissatisfied with life and are troubled by inner guilt. How can I survive with all the turmoil around me?
Paul answers with Romans 5. Peace provides the answer to turmoil. God’s peace. Not a subjective feeling of peace, but an objective peace established between God and humanity. He explains the basis for this peace.
“We have been justified through faith.” The peace comes “through our Lord Jesus Christ.” God’s Son came to earth to restore peace. We had rebelled against God. Satan joined forces with the world to lead us astray. We were helpless to bring peace. But Jesus Christ lived a perfect life for us and died on the cross to atone for our sins. God declares the world righteous because of Christ. Through faith, God’s gift, we receive God’s peace which lasts forever.
Right with God, at peace with Him through Jesus Christ, we now face a world in turmoil. His peace frees us to experience inner peace with ourselves and to establish peace with others. We will not always feel peaceful, but God’s peace remains. Looking to Him again and again in His Word and sacraments, we discover a growing peace.
Romans 5 : 1
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
(Stops & Steps 1048 23VIII2009)