Go! And Live in the Peace of Justification - Romans 5:1
Romans 5:1 (NLT) — “Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.”
Introduction: The Search for Real Peace
Every generation searches for peace. We talk about world peace, inner peace, and even peace of mind. Yet, despite all our progress, our world is still restless. Anxiety, conflict, guilt, and fear dominate human experience. But Romans 5:1 declares the greatest truth the human soul can ever know — real peace is possible. Not the kind the world gives through distraction or denial, but peace with God, purchased and guaranteed by Jesus Christ.
Tonight’s message in our “Go! And…” series is titled “Go! And Live in the Peace of Justification.”
Paul begins Romans 5 with a “therefore” — a bridge word that looks back at everything he’s just said. The first four chapters of Romans describe humanity’s guilt before God and the reality that no one can earn righteousness through works of the law. But now, in chapter 5, Paul unfolds the glorious result of being justified by faith — peace with God.
1. The Meaning of Justification – Declared Righteous by Faith
Let’s start with the phrase: “Since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith…”
The Greek verb Paul uses here is d??a??? (dikaioo) — it means to declare righteous, to pronounce just, or to acquit. It’s a legal term, drawn from the courtroom. When a sinner believes in Jesus Christ, God acts as Judge and declares that person righteous, not because of their works, but because of the finished work of Christ.
This is not a gradual process; it’s a decisive declaration. At the moment of faith, the gavel of heaven comes down and God says:
“Not guilty. Righteous. Forgiven.”
The righteousness that is credited is not ours. It is the righteousness of Christ. Paul explains this in 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NLT): “For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.”
Theologians call this the great exchange — our sin laid upon Christ, and His righteousness credited to us.
As R.T. Kendall once said, “Justification means more than forgiveness. It means God sees me ‘just as if I had never sinned.’”
And friends, that truth should overwhelm us with gratitude! Forgiveness removes our guilt, but justification restores our standing before a holy God.
Stop trying to earn God’s approval. You already have it in Christ. Your righteousness before God does not depend on your performance this week — it depends on Jesus’ perfect obedience on the cross. That means you can stop striving and start resting in grace.
2. The Result of Justification – Peace with God
Paul continues: “We have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.”
This peace is not subjective — it’s not merely “feeling peaceful.” It’s objective, describing a new relationship between God and the believer.
Before salvation, we were God’s enemies. Romans 5:10 (NLT) says: “For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies…”
The Hebrew equivalent for peace is ??????? (shalom) — a word far richer than the English “peace.” It means wholeness, completeness, reconciliation. Through the cross, Christ didn’t just calm our fears — He ended the war between a holy God and sinful humanity.
Tim Keller wrote, “The peace of God is not the absence of trouble but the presence of God in every situation.”
And I would add — peace with God is the foundation of the peace of God. You cannot experience the peace of God in your heart until you first have peace with God in your soul.
Imagine two nations at war for centuries — bloodshed, hatred, hostility. Then one day, a peace treaty is signed, not because the guilty side suddenly became good, but because someone paid the price to end the war. The cross of Christ is heaven’s peace treaty — written in His blood.
Are you living as if you still have to make peace with God? You can’t — Jesus already has. Live like someone who is reconciled, not condemned.
3. The Source of Our Peace – Jesus Christ Our Lord
Paul emphasises: “because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.”
This peace isn’t self-produced — it’s Christ-bought. Ephesians 2:14 (NLT) says:
“For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us.”
That phrase — “Christ himself” — tells us that peace is not a principle, it’s a Person. Jesus is our peace. Through His death, burial, and resurrection, He satisfied divine justice and removed the barrier of sin that separated us from God.
John Piper once said, “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.”
When your soul finds satisfaction in Christ alone, anxiety loses its grip and peace takes its place.
The word for “peace” in Romans 5:1 is e????? (eirene) — from a verb meaning to bind together that which was broken. Jesus binds us back to God. The cross is where brokenness met reconciliation.
In a world of broken relationships, only Jesus can bind us together again. Peace with God must overflow into peace with others. If you’ve been justified, you’re called to be a peacemaker — to extend the grace you’ve received.
4. The Certainty of Our Peace – Standing in Grace
Romans 5:2 (NLT) continues: “Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.”
We stand — not fall, not strive — we stand in grace. The Greek word for “stand” is ?st?µ? (histemi), meaning to be established, fixed, immovable. Our justification is secure because it depends on Christ’s work, not ours.
Charles Stanley once said, “Peace with God is the fruit of grace, not the reward of works.”
And that’s worth remembering when the enemy whispers lies of condemnation. Grace silences guilt.
A story is told of a wealthy man who purchased a priceless painting of his son. When he died, his will stated that the first painting to be auctioned must be that portrait. No one bid — they wanted the masterpieces. But one man offered a few coins. He won the picture. Then the auctioneer declared, “Whoever takes the son gets everything else.”
Whoever takes the Son of God receives every blessing of salvation — including peace with God.
Stand firm in grace. When storms rage, when your faith feels weak, remember — your standing before God never changes. Jesus holds you fast.
5. The Invitation of Justification – Peace Offered to All
Romans 10:9 (NLT) says: “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
This is the Gospel call. Through His death, Jesus bore your punishment. Through His resurrection, He offers you His righteousness. Through faith, you receive peace with God.
Max Lucado beautifully wrote, “The maker of the stars would rather die for you than live without you.”
That’s the heart of God — a peace-seeking, grace-giving, love-pouring Saviour.
Gospel Presentation:
On the cross, Jesus cried, “It is finished!” The Greek word is tet??esta? (tetelestai) — meaning “paid in full.” Your sin debt is cancelled. The tomb is empty. The risen Christ reigns, offering forgiveness, reconciliation, and eternal life.
If you are here tonight without that peace, you can have it — right now. Turn from your sin. Trust in Jesus. Let Him be your Lord and your Saviour.
Conclusion: Go! And Live in the Peace of Justification
If you have been justified by faith, you have peace with God — unbreakable, unstoppable, eternal peace. So, go and live like it! Let that peace guard your heart and shape your relationships. Be an ambassador of reconciliation in a divided world.
Philippians 4:7 (NLT) promises: “Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”
Benediction:
May you walk this week not in fear, but in faith.
Not in striving, but in standing.
Not seeking peace, but living in the peace Christ has already won.
And may the God of peace Himself fill you with His joy, His grace, and His love,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
