Grace and Peace
“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5:1-2.
In the hustle and bustle of life, sometimes you wish that you could steal away for just a little bit of peace- but as life has it, you can’t just up and leave your problems behind- your body may be a million miles away, but those old cares and concerns are ever on the mind!
But I won’t leave you hanging there-God lovingly provides all that we need to run this race with grace and peace. “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5:1-2.
In the book of Ephesians chapter 1: 2 Paul opens his letter with the salutation of grace and peace to the saints in Ephesus. “grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.” So, let’s just think about these two words for a moment…. exactly what does he mean by desiring them to have grace and peace?
1st of all the grace- the unmerited favor that we receive from the unconditional love of God, our Father, and His only begotten Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ deals with our inherited sin issue- it provides all that we need to be saved, reconciled to God, to worship, walk, and work victoriously in this life. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16.
2nd peace follows grace…it is only after God has dealt with our sin nature and we become new creatures in Christ…or born-again, that we can know peace- there is a familiar adage that says: Know Jesus, know peace…no Jesus, no peace ! “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7.
It is definitely true- as beloved children of God who are saved by His amazing grace, we have access to all the spiritual blessings that Paul expounds on in the Book Ephesians…we are the recipients of real peace– or that which gives us the ability to be calm, settled, reposed and spiritually independent of the circumstances we encounter in this life- why…because it is the power that lives within us through the Holy Ghost…these blessings come from above and as a result we can take everything to God in prayer!
But if you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior… you will not know what real peace is until you come the knowledge of His saving grace. He’s knocking on the door of your heart-won’t you let Him! “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” Revelation 3:20.
God blessings of grace and peace to all!
