Romans 5:1-2a Peace from War

1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peacewith God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. Romans 5:1-2a NIV

I always start with the "therefore" because I need to know what it is "there for." The previous chapter talked about Abraham and his righteousness by nothing that he had done, but only by his faith. And that God will also credit righteousness for us who believe.

THEREFORE, we have peace through Jesus Christ because we have received grace through faith.

Here is the Merriam-Webster Dictionary's full definition of peace.

1   :  a state of tranquillity or quiet: asa :  freedom from civil disturbance

b :  a state of security or order within a community provided for by law or custom (a breach of the peace)
2   :  freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions3   :  harmony in personal relations4   a :  a state or period of mutual concord between governments

     b :  a pact or agreement to end hostilities between those who have been at war or in a state of enmity 

 

5 —used interjectionally to ask for silence or calm or as a greeting or farewell 

— at peace

:  in a state of concord or tranquillity

There are several areas that we can have peace - within ourselves, in our community, across personal relationships, within our government or between governments.

But let's look at the descriptors that occur in the definitions:

• tranquility
• quiet
• freedom
• security
• order
• harmony
• mutual accord
• silence
• calm

Don't you just take a deep breath, let our a loud sigh, and your entire body relaxes when you read these words? Mine does. Just reading the description of peace brings a feeling of peace to my spirit. And I appreciate that, but the peace we obtain through salvation is so much more.

I love the NIV footnote in the study Bible for 5:1:

"peace with God.  Not merely a subjective feeling (peace of mind) but primarily an objective status, a new relationship with God: Once we were his enemies, but now we are his friends."

You see, when I first read through the definitions above, my mind started to discount any reference to war or enmity between two factions. But I was wrong. Before accepting the gift of salvation, I had been at war with God. My life, actions, view of myself, view of others, etc. were all centered within me. My focus was how will I benefit, how will I be hurt, what will this gain me? That life philosophy was in direct opposition to a life surrendered to the Father. So I had made Him my enemy and was warring against Him.

But no more. There is peace from that battle. He is the ruling Master and I, His servant. And that fact not only brings a respite from war, but a tremendous feeling of peace that comes from the surety of His presence and control. Do I still go through times of turmoil, confusion, upheaval? Of course. I'm human, and I live in a fallen world.

But here's the cool thing. Even when I am in the midst of uncertainty, if I take the time to go to my Father, spend time with Him - pour out my heart to Him - read His Word, then I am in the Presence of peace and feel peace even in the midst of the storm. It's like sitting for a time in the eye of a hurricane and then being embraced in concrete when the calm passes and the storm hits again. I can withstand the wind and the rain because I have remembered Who is in charge and Who is my protector in the storm. That is peace.

Father, thank you for the peace of surrender to Your will and Your ways. Holy Spirit, help me remember to remain close to that peace in the storms. You are my fortress of peace. So be it.

Further Thoughts:

1. Give thanks to the Father for the peace that has come through salvation. You are no longer at war.
2. List the ways being at peace with God has transformed your life.
3. Read Philippians 4:7.

Romans 10:9-11 "Our Choice for Christ"

That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame. ~Romans 10:9-11

The right to receive Christ as your Lord and Savior is completely a choice. He has already paid the price for the forgiveness of our sins, but we must choose to accept that grace-filled gift. It’s like receiving a beautifully wrapped present. We can accept the gift, but if we never unwrap and open the gift, we have not truly received it. Acceptance happens by believing in your heart through faith that Jesus is who He says He is and did what He said He did. Ask Him to forgive your sins and receive His amazing gift.

The choice to receive Christ also comes with a commitment. We are stating that we are now followers of Christ. To follow anyone is to do as they lead. Christ wants to not only be your Savior, He desires to be Lord of your life. Surrendering to the Lordship of Christ will be the most liberating choice you will ever make.

Further Thoughts:

1. Define “grace.”
2. Why did Jesus sacrifice for us?
3. If you have not received Jesus Christ as your Savior, you can do that right now. Confess that you are a sinner and ask for His forgiveness. His grace, mercy and love are waiting for you. Write out your prayer of confession.
4. If you have already received Christ as Savior and Lord, write out your story. When did you receive him and how have you grown in your relationship with Christ?

Thank You, Lord, for Your amazing grace and precious gift of salvation. Help me to never take Your sacrifice for granted as I strive to follow You. Amen.

Hebrews 2:5-18. "Made Human to Save"

Read Hebrews 2:5-18.

"Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death -- that is, the devil -- and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death." NIV

What a beautiful passage describing the power of Christ and His submission to a human life. He suffered so much for us so we would no longer live in fear. His authority is established by everything being put "under his feet." And then His humility comes through lowering Himself to the level of His Creation.

I find the passage "In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering." very interesting. By Christ lowering himself to our level, He not only became our high priest of atonement, but a brother to all mankind. We are children together. Very hard for my human mind to wrap itself around this thought. But I am so thankful and humbled that I am loved that much. I just pray that I can share a small portion of that love to those around me. What amazing grace.

And because Jesus could not sin, his connection to our humanity is that He suffered in temptation just like we do. We are not alone; He truly knows our struggles and provides a way out.

Further Thoughts:

1. Does the fact that Christ became like us humble you or make you arrogant?
2. Based on Christ's actions and our place in eternity, how should we relate to those around us who have not accepted the Truth?
3. We are all still messed up beings. So what has changed?

Hebrews 2:1-4 "Pay Attention"

Read Hebrews 2:1-4.

"We must pay more careful attention...." NIV

Distractions abound - TV, music, games, outdoor sports, indoor sports, work, chores, food, relationships, travel - and I'm only getting started. Staying focused on anything is so difficult today because we have so many things wanting to pull us away to give them attention. And then everything must be instantaneous. With cell phones, IM, Twitter, email we have demanded responses immediately. I don't know how many times I've heard my cell phone ringing and couldn't get to it. Then my house phone rings and when I finally answer, the caller is saying, "Where were you? I've been trying to get a hold of you!"
"I was in the bathroom; is that okay?"

We are becoming more and more demanding of other's attention, but are we paying attention ourselves? Do we take the time to really listen to another person? Do we stop long enough to reflect on what we've done, what we are doing, and what we need to do next and why? Do we ever stop long enough to change our perspective from myopic to a bird's eye view that will give us a better perspective on situations, relationships, and just the whole scope of life?

Recently, my husband and I had the privilege of having our Sunday morning worship sitting above Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe in California. So far, this is my most favorite place in the whole world. With the waterfall to my right, the bay below me, and the lake to my left, I feel like in that moment all is right with the world. The beauty of that place warms my soul, and God is so near I can touch Him. That is one of the places I can go where life stops, and I truly pay attention.

As the writer of Hebrews points out, it is so easy to let your faith drift away. Call it a spiritual ADHD, but with far greater consequences than missing an answer on a test or not hearing the boss' instructions on a project. When we allow our minds, hearts, and attention to wander from the Truth, the enemy has an opportunity to fill our minds with alternatives. But there is no substitute for the salvation that Christ gave.

* the angels gave the message
* Christ first announced the salvation
* confirmed by witnesses
* God reinforces the message with "signs, wonders, and various miracles"
* we are blessed with the gift of the Holy Spirit to speak the Truth within us

If we just pay attention, the Truth is shining loud and clear. Our focus must remain on Him and Him alone. Only then will the purpose of our existence and the plans for our life make sense.... And continue to make sense.

Pay attention. It's all true. Every word of it.

Further Thoughts:

1. When do you most find the doubts about what you believe begin to creep in? When you are too busy for reflection? When you stop having time alone with God and in the Word? When you stop meeting with other believers? Other times?
   
2. What are ways we can pay attention better? How do we keep our salvation always in the forefront of our thinking?
3. Make a list of your priorities. Does this shed any light on your "attention" level?
4. Rearrange your priorities today so that your focus remains on Christ and what He has done for you.

1 Peter 1:10-12 "Prophesy Fulfilled"

Read 1 Peter 1:10-12.

"It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you...." NIV

The prophets knew that they would never see the Messiah on this earth. There job was to report to the people what was to come, not what they would themselves live. In an instant gratification culture, this is a difficult one to grasp. The prophets were being told by the Lord the most important event in the history of man. They "saw" visions of the hope for their people and actually all mankind, and yet they knew they would not live to see it happen. It's difficult to have passion and drive about something we will not see fulfilled. Think about it, you write a book knowing you will never see it published. You build a car knowing you will never drive it. You start a company knowing you will never receive any profit from it. You find a cure for cancer knowing your cancer will not be cured by it.

The prophets watched their people wandering in hopelessness knowing that hope was coming -- but not yet.

We still have the return of Christ that we are looking forward to -- and may never see in our lifetime. But the greater difference is that we already have the salvation that has come. When we promise hope, it's now. When we share joy, it's now. When we tell of a cure for sin and the destruction it brings -- it's now.

Live joyfully in the salvation we have today. We are the of the prophesy fulfillment, so we should be living victorious. Christ has come!

Further Thoughts:

1. Are you living out the joy of your salvation? If no, why not? If yes, how?
2. Is your faith wavering? How can knowing we are living in the fulfillment of the prophesy increase your faith?
3. Listen to this song by Hillsong United, Salvation is Here and be thankful.
   
   

Matthew 27:45-56 "The Final Sacrifice"

Read Matthew 27:45-56.

"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" NIV

As He hangs on a cross, we see another example of Jesus living out the same feelings we have all had at one time or another. Why has God left me alone here in this mess? Why do I have to hurt so when He can take it away with one word? Why me? I don't deserve this....

Of course the pain we suffer is nothing compared to what He endured. Not only was He going through one of the most excruciating forms of execution, but He was suffering spiritually by carrying the weight of the world's sin. It's no wonder He felt abandoned. No one should have to endure that agony. But He loved us too much not to.

And look at the result. The curtain in the temple was torn in two symbolizing the end exclusivism in approaching the throne of God. We are all now given access to the Almighty through the final high priest, Jesus Christ. People were raised from the dead. His own tormentors recognized Him for who He was. The world was changed forever!

We grieve for the pain Christ endured. Even the physical earth shook at His death. But His suffering was for a purpose far beyond His physical pain. He did it for our eternal salvation. The results were worth the trials.

Our suffering in this life, whether real or perceived, is for such a short time. And if we just persevere and learn from our trials, the results could impact the world. There still may be times that we feel like God has forsaken us. But that is simply the enemy's lie. He will never leave us or forsake us. He may allow certain trials to come into our life, but only so we will be stronger and more in line with who He is and His will. We will be led to rely on Him, trust Him in a greater way than ever before. But if I succumb to the enemy's lies and stop believing in the Truths of God, then Jesus' sacrifice was for nothing.

Lord, thank You for the sacrifice You made in taking my sins. Use me as a testimony to Your grace and mercy. Help me to always keep my heart focused on Your Truths in every trial I face. I never want to forsake You.

Further Thoughts:

1. Read the accounts of Christ's death in the other gospels.
2. Watch the movie, The Passion of the Christ.
3. Read James 1:2-18. List how we are to handle trials and temptations.
4. Spend some time today thanking Jesus for the sacrifice He made for us. Express your thanks in your own unique way -- write or sing a song, write a poem, dance around the room, kneel in silence, shout for joy.

Matthew 10:21-36 "Stand Firm"

Read Matthew 10:21-36.

"All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved." NIV

This is not a concept that we particularly think about when we receive Jesus as our Savior. We see Him as as the one to forgive ours sins and that we will do things His way instead of our own. But do we really count the cost we will pay from those around us? Do we hear the insults and disdain that we may confront -- even from those who are closest to us but don't understand nor have received the Truth?

I think some people do, but not many. Most of us walk into Christianity because we have finally heard the Holy Spirit's call to our hearts; we've messed our life up enough on our own and need a salvation from the path we have taken. But to anticipate opposition -- I believe very few people contemplate the consequences of walking the believer's life.

Jesus' warnings as written here are extreme and dangerous. It sounds like we are walking into a war zone rather than accepting a lifestyle of quiet reverence and piety. But Jesus is placing the reality in front of our eyes -- worse for some than for others -- but the truth none the less.

Whether on a small scale of insults to persecution by death, we will all face some opposition to the choice we have made to follow Christ. And we must decide beforehand what we will do in those situations. Jesus says first in vs. 22 to "stand firm to the end." He also says in vs. 23 that if "you are being persecuted in one place, flee to another. We aren't required to stand and take the punishment if there is a way to leave it. "Stand" in vs 22 refers to enduring by abiding with Christ no matter what.

The idea of facing persecution is not one that any of us want to contemplate. But a healthy view hinges on the right perspective. We see this laid out in verses 28-31. True life is not about these 60 minutes an hour, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week that we live here in a flesh and blood existence. True life is what is still to come. This is just a temporary stop. Too often we want to make the life we live now the end all, and it just simply isn't. There is so much more living we have to do and that will be in eternity with our Lord -- either after the resurrection or through physical death.

If we can look at life in the temporal as we should, then death is nothing to fear. Perfect healing comes with the perfect body we will have in heaven. So anyone can do anything to me here on this earth -- physically, psychologically, or emotionally -- but they cannot touch my soul. I am a child of the King, and I have the promise of an inheritance that goes far beyond anything this world can give me. The only fear I should experience is in reverent fear before the Almighty. If I do not follow Him and declare Him as Lord, He will disown me. He is a jealous God and will not abide competition for my affections. He is to be the one and only Lord.

I have already experienced the separation that can occur in relationships because I have chosen this path -- to belong to Christ. It is not easy; in fact, it's very painful. Only through prayers and the power of the Holy Spirit have I been able to stand. But stand I will to the end. My Lord is great and no one nor anything will separate me from my Father's love nor my love from Him.

Further Thoughts:

1. Joseph was persecuted multiple times -- even by family. But what does he say to his brothers in the end? Read Genesis 50:20.
2. Are we required to forgive the ones who persecute us? Read Matthew 6:14-15 and related post, and Luke 23:33-34.
3. Here is another post on persecution.
4. Persecution can be really difficult to come to grips with while in the midst of it. But we have promises to hold on to. Read Romans 8:28, Psalm 37:1-2, 2 Corinthians 4:-12, 2 Timothy 1:11-12, 1 Peter 3:13-14 and STAND.

Ephesians 6:17a "Truly Living in Hope"

"Take the helmet of salvation...." NIV

I can't read this verse without thinking about a really bad hair day. But that's irrelevant.;-)

This one is hard to write about. Everything I would put makes me want to say, "Duh!" It just all seems so obvious to guard our minds, the center of our will, our thoughts and the very essence of who we are with our salvation. His grace and mercy, the cleansing of my sins, the hope of eternity with Him is what will protect me. I need to be sure it's securely in place as the enemy will try to attack those areas of my life -- probably mostly with doubt. It's when doubt creeps into our thinking that our shield of faith begins to waver, the belt of truth becomes subjective, and peace is replaced by confusion.

But when I have the protection of salvation surrounding my every thought, desire, development of who I am, then my thinking and will line up with my Father's plan. I see with His eyes; I hear with His ears. His desires are my desires. And my hope of coming out of all of this in victory with Him is sure.

Father, thank you for the protection of my salvation. Help me to keep my thoughts and will in line with Yours. I want the very heart of who I am to consistently be in tune to You.

Further Thoughts:

1. How am I guarding my mind from the enemy's attacks? Am I careful about what I see and hear? Am I keeping the hope of my salvation always before me as the most important part of my life? Answer, then read 1 Peter 1:13-16.
2. What do I need to change in my lifestyle to stay away from the dangers that will attack my mind? (What needs to be taken away; what needs to be added?)
3. Do I live as a true believer in the hope of my salvation? In other words, do I live my life as a soldier who has the Almighty as the commanding officer? Am I walking boldly and sure? If not, why? What lie is the enemy feeding me that I'm believing?
4. Read Matthew 21:18-22 and James 1:6. Why is doubting counterproductive to the Christian life?