Peace with God

This is one of the most glorious passages in the Bible! In one sentence (v 1) Paul summarizes the whole argument of his letter to this point and then begins to draw out the implications.

By trusting in Jesus Christ we have been reconciled to God.

The first consequence of this is that we have peace with him. Probably the first thing that comes to mind when we read the word “peace” is an end of hostility, an end of struggle, an end of fear of rejection. That’s the negative side of peace, and it’s part of what Paul means here. But Paul, with his Jewish background, is thinking of the positive side as well. The Hebrew word for “peace” is “shalom,” which means “universal flourishing, wholeness and delight—a rich state of affairs in which natural needs are satisfied and natural gifts fruitfully employed, a state of affairs that inspires joyful wonder as its Creator and Savior opens doors and welcomes the creatures in whom he delights. Shalom, in other words, is the way things ought to be” (Cornelius Plantinga). We have “shalom” with God. Think about that!

Secondly, we have hope, which, believe it or not, flourishes in suffering. Being a Christian doesn’t mean that all our problems are solved, or even that we will always be happy. What Paul is saying is that we can celebrate even when things are difficult. Why? Because God uses difficulties to produce endurance and character in us. You may know people whom you admire for their Christ-like character. Often it turns out that they have come through times of suffering. Things may be hard right now, but in Jesus Christ we have hope. Not hope that maybe all will be well in the end, but hope in the Christian sense, that we know that all will be well in the end.

Respond in Prayer

Lord Jesus, Thank you for all that you have done for me. Thank you that you love me so much that you died on the cross. Thank you that you love everybody! Thank you for the peace with which you fill our hearts, and for the hope you give us. Thank you that whatever we are going through now, you are in complete control and all will be well in the end. Amen.

Annabel Robinson