Romans 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
This verse marks a major transition in the letter. The “therefore” links the call for faith in ch. 4 for the outcome of being made righteous. Faith is the open door to experiencing all that God has planned for us. The result of that is peace with God. The problem of sin is removed and we are able to be in relationship with the Holy God, Creator of the universe. Peace with God is what the human soul deeply longs for. The world offers a false promise of peace. Peace is closely related to happiness and joy. Temptations say that doing certain actions or thinking certain ways will make us happy. But sin always results in hurt and pain, for ourselves or for other people. Peace with God brings deep joy and results in happiness. Joy is the source for happiness. Joy cannot be taken away easily. Happiness is more dependent upon our physical and emotional well-being, which may come and go, depending on our circumstances. This peace with God comes “through our Lord Jesus Christ.” There is only one source for the restored and renewed relationship of peace with God. That is because only Jesus can atone for our sins and only he has overcome the power of sin which is death. This is the good news of the gospel, wrapped up in one short verse.
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