Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. (Rom 5:1)It starts with a "therefore," so there is context to consider. This one is ... the first 4 chapters. Paul explains that God's righteousness is revealed in the gospel (Rom 1:17) and then steps right out to explain that God's righteousness is also in God's righteous wrath (Rom 1:18-3:20) ... which we've earned. But, he says, there is an answer. "We hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law" (Rom 3:28). From 3:21 through the end of chapter 4, Paul explains and illustrates the basic premise of the gospel -- saved by faith. Therefore ...
I don't know if you noticed it, but "peace with God" is linguistically ambiguous. Does it mean that between us and God there is peace, or does it mean that, with God, we have peace? The answer is equally ambiguous. Yes. The context makes it clear that the "peace with God" that we enjoy comes from being justified by faith, diverting His wrath (Rom 3:25 -- "propitiation"). Where His righteous anger against our sin once stood, we now enjoy peace.
That's the meaning of the text, but, in truth, the outcome is also that, with God, we now have peace. Because we are justified by faith, we can now "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Php 4:6-7). Our new relationship with God through Christ means that we can give all our concerns to Him and experience supernatural, incomprehensible peace. In fact, that's what was promised at His Advent, wasn't it? "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased!" (Luke 2:14). That "those with whom He is pleased" refers to those who come to Him in faith, and to them He brings peace. Supernatural, incomprehensible peace, a wonderful gift in a world of unrest.
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