SHALOM - the Meaning of True PeaceSample

Romans is the second book in the New Testament where Peace appears the most, second to Luke. Written to a people who were gentiles, it makes sense the persistent mention of the word. In this particular text, the Apostle Paul reveals the source of peace = justification.

Justification is what happens when we believe in Jesus Christ. In legal terms, it's defined as "the action of showing something to be right or reasonable." This is what Jesus did for us! Let me put it in perspective and come full circle with this devotional. When we sin, we are separated from God because of our wrongdoings. There is no way around this fact. Sin and God do not mix - it must be immediately destroyed by God's holiness and justice. This brings us trouble, confusion, and anxiety in our hearts that becomes more prevalent as we age. Why? Because our wrong-doings become more passive in our lives. This is what happens when we no longer feel sorry for the sins we commit and thereby never repent from them. So we tend to look for the means in this world by which we could have peace and tranquility to calm our conscience. The only thing that can take us from wrong-doings to right-standing is our unmoving faith in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.

Jesus paid the price for our peace. Being IN Christ means being in right standing before the one holy God. Outside of Christ, we are doomed, but in Christ, we find that blessed assurance of salvation. He declared us righteous before the Father, and THAT is what releases peace to us. That is how we get peace, and that is the reason why only Jesus can give us that kind of peace, unlike the one we find in this world. It's the only antidote to fear and turmoil.

This gives a whole new meaning to peace. More than tranquility or stillness or quietness... it is the realization that everything between us and God is ok.

Shalom!