Romans: Rooted in Jesus, Peace with God

“Give peace a chance,” John Lennon. It’s a great sentiment, everyone lay down your weapons, overlook whatever offenses exist, forgive any unethical behavior, and live in peace. Hopefully, you can see the injustice in this idea. Apply this slogan to October 7, 2023, when Hamas did unspeakable things to the Jewish people, or the invasion of Ukraine. No! Justice demands judgment.

Yet, many expect God to put aside his offense at our rebellion and sin, embracing us in love, and declaring peace. This is part of the message of the “He Gets Us” group that put out the Super Bowl ads again this year. Their message, “God gets us, loves us, and embraces us.” Well, the Apostle Paul has no such sentiment as he unpacks the wrath of God against sinners beginning in Romans 1:18, saying, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men.” The only way for mankind to have peace with God is for God’s justice to be satisfied, either by the sinner or by the substitute, Jesus Christ. He explains this in chapters 3-4, where he explains how faith in the substitute results in our acquittal with God. Now, in chapter five, he unpacks the effects of justification for the believer.

The first effect, peace with God. Peace made possible through judgment. God’s just wrath, satisfied by Jesus. As believers, we are at peace with God and the Apostle urges us to live in that peace. Join us Sunday as we consider the accomplishment of Christ: peace with God.