Justified To Peace And Favor With God
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. We have also obtained access through him by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we boast in the hope of the glory of God.
Romans 5:1-2 (CSB)
We live separate from the Lord, existing as His enemies due to our sin. This condition implies that we do not experience the peace and favor of the Lord but rather endure His wrath and punishment. However, salvation changes everything. We transition from separation to reconciliation with the Lord. We move from being enemies of God to being welcomed as His family and children. Therefore, in justification, we attain peace with God, enjoy His favor, and embrace hope in the Lord.
Justified and Experiencing Peace with God. When we live at peace with God, we have the ability to live without the fear of death and eternal separation from the Lord. We are reconciled with God and no longer carry the title of rebels or enemies. Peace with God is only available through a relationship with the Prince of Peace, and that relationship secures the ability to live at peace with God and to experience the favor of the Lord.
Justified and Experiencing the Favor of God. When we experience justification through salvation, we experience the favor of the Lord. The favor of the Lord is God’s goodness extended to His children. The favor of God manifests as God works in the lives of His children for His glory and their good. This does not mean that life is without struggles or pain, but it signifies that God is with us and working in us regardless of the circumstances. God’s favor is a present reality while also being a future truth. We will ultimately experience the favor of God in the fullness of eternal life in heaven. Thus, we gain the ability to live life in true hope in the Lord.
Justified and Experiencing Hope in the Lord. Hope provides the strength to persevere when difficulties arise. Hope is not mere wishful thinking; rather, hope in the Lord embodies the certainty of God’s promises and eternal life in heaven. When we live in justification, we gain a deeper sense of hope in the Lord as we understand that we are covered by the righteousness of Christ, at peace with God, and viewed as justified before Him.
QUESTIONS
How does a life at peace with God differ from a life separated from the Lord?
How does experiencing hope in the truth of justification provide encouragement to live in faithfulness before the Lord?
