The privilege of Grace

Romans 5:1 — “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Paul begins with “Therefore.” He is drawing a conclusion from everything he has said about justification by faith. We are not made right with God because we have become good enough. 

 

We are made right because Christ has done for us what we could never do for ourselves.

 

1. JUSTIFIED — I have been made right with God

 

“Having been justified by faith…”

 

To be justified means that God declares us righteous because of what Christ has done. We sometimes explain it as “just as if I had never sinned.” That helps us understand the wonder of forgiveness, although justification is even greater than that: God doesn't merely pretend our sin never happened; Christ has paid for it, and God declares us righteous because of Christ.

 

What a privilege!

 

Psalm 103:12 says: As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.

 

And Hebrews 8:12 says: Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.

 

Think about that.

 

God knows everything about me, yet He still accepts me because of Christ.

 

I don't have to work for justification. I don't have to earn it. I don't have to prove myself worthy of it.

 

It is grace.

 

Salvation begins not with what I have done for God, but with what God has done for me.

 

2. FAITH — I receive what grace has provided

 

“…having been justified by faith…”

 

Grace provides it. Faith receives it.

 

This is where my response comes in. I cannot earn salvation by good works, religious activity, giving, serving or trying harder. I simply come to Christ and believe.

 

Hebrews 11:6 says: Without faith it is impossible to please Him.

 

Faith says: Lord, I cannot save myself. I trust You to save me. Faith is not merely believing that God exists. It is placing my confidence in Jesus Christ and what He has accomplished for me.

 

Again and again in the Gospels Jesus said to people: Your faith has made you well.

 

Faith is the open hand that receives the gift of grace. Imagine someone giving you an expensive gift. The gift is completely paid for. You didn't earn it. You don't deserve it. But you still have to receive it.

 

That is faith.

 

Grace says, “I have provided it.”
Faith says, “I receive it.”

 

3. CHRIST — He is the means of my salvation

 

“…through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

 

Paul doesn't leave us wondering how this became possible. It is through Jesus Christ.

 

The cross is the means by which God can justify sinners while remaining righteous. Jesus took my place. He bore my sin. He carried my guilt. He paid my penalty. He died the death I deserved. And because He died, rose again, and conquered sin and death, I can stand before God justified.

 

So I cannot boast: Look what I have done. I can only say: Look what Christ has done!

Salvation is by grace, through faith, in Christ. Ephesians 2:8 captures it beautifully: For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.

 

4. PEACE — His death has changed my position

 

“…we have peace with God…”

 

And now comes the outcome. Peace with God. Notice Paul doesn't say merely, “I feel peaceful.” He says “we have peace with God.” This is not primarily a feeling. It is a new relationship and a new position before God.

 

Sin separated us from God. Christ reconciled us to God. The cross has settled the matter I no longer need to run from God. I don't need to hide from God. I don't need to live under condemnation.

 

I have peace with God through Jesus Christ.

 

What a wonderful way to begin the day! Whatever happens today, good news or bad news, success or disappointment, strength or weakness, I can remember:

• I am right with God.
• My sins have been forgiven.
• I did not earn this; it is grace.
• I received it by faith.
• Jesus made it possible.
• And now I have peace with God.

A simple way to remember Romans 5:1

 

Justified — My position has changed.
Faith — My response is to believe.
Christ — He is the means of my salvation.
Peace — His work is the outcome.

 

Or even more simply:

 

Grace provided it.
Faith received it.
Christ accomplished it.
Peace declares it.

 

Morning Prayer

 

å“Father, thank You that I can come before You today—not because I am worthy, but because Jesus has made me worthy. Thank You for Your grace that I could never earn. Help me to receive Your grace by faith and never try to earn what You have already provided. Thank You for the cross, where Jesus paid the price for my sin. Today I choose to live in the assurance that I am justified, forgiven and at peace with You. In Jesus' name, Amen.”