Our scripture this morning is Romans 5:1-2.
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.
Paul speaks of our justification, being made right with God in a legal sense. In this we are no longer guilty of sin but washed clean through Christ’s sacrifice. All who come to Him in faith can be redeemed. By God’s mercy we are declared not guilty.
Reconciliation is being reconnected to God personally. We have a restored relationship, the one for which we were created. Jesus makes a way for us to be a full part of God’s family, with rights and responsibilities. This is not just a peaceful feeling but “the peace of God which passes all understanding” (Philippians 4:7).
When Paul writes “we boast in the hope of the glory of God” he is speaking of the end for which we all long, eternal life with our Heavenly Father. The old hymn says “for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey.” Jesus came to call us back to our blessing and birthright, to experience “this grace in which we now stand.”
Loving Lord, we are sorry for our failures and come to You in repentance. Through the gift of Your son we are made new and blessed to go to the world in His name. Make us energetic bearers of the Good News. Amen.
