In Jesus You Are: Understanding Your Identity in ChristSample

Wednesday: In Jesus I am Righteous

Read: Romans 5:1–2

SOAP: Romans 5:1–2

“Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have also obtained access into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of God’s glory.”

The dictionary defines “righteous” as being morally right or justified. We justify our actions by explaining our motives, or how it led to a positive outcome. We justify spending money or eating another slice of cake or going on vacation by trying to prove that we need or deserve it.

When we accept Jesus as our Savior, ask Him to forgive our sins, and commit our lives to Him, we are made righteous. Everything that separated us from God is covered by Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. We are not only made new, but we are made right before God.

In the earlier chapters of Paul’s letter to the Romans, he explained our need for salvation and how we could receive salvation. In chapter 5, where our reading begins today, Paul explored the benefits we receive because of our salvation. 

Peace. When we are made right with God through Jesus Christ, we experience the fruit of peace. Peace helps us live and act confidently because of what Jesus has done for us. This peace and confidence is not based on our circumstances or what we can achieve, but is real and lasting and only comes from Jesus.

Access. Layman’s New Testament Bible Commentary notes the word used for “access” isn’t simply an open door that we walk through, but “refers to ushering someone into the presence of royalty, or a ship sailing into the protection of a safe harbor.” When we are made right before God, we are ushered into a place of protection, rest, and security. 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me so much that You would create a way for me to be made right before You. You make me new, You forgive me, and You make a way so that I can come before You in peace and find rest. God, I praise You and love You. Amen.