Are you the naturally guilty type? Many of us fear authority because we associate those in power with punishment. What comes to mind when you think about getting pulled over, receiving mail from the IRS, or being summoned to your boss’s office?
Likewise, the thought of God can be scary or off-putting because we naturally think we don’t measure up and are being looked down on. Luckily for us, the Bible is clear that when we place our faith in Jesus, his death, and resurrection, we can have complete peace with God. But what does it mean to have peace with God?
What does it mean to have peace with God?
Paul, one of the first pastors of the early church, says it this way”
“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:1
Don’t miss this! Anyone who has trusted in Jesus doesn’t have to wonder or worry about where they stand with God.
So, what does it mean to have peace with God? A little further on in his letter to the church in Rome, Paul highlights three realities of being a life changed by Christ – and why trusting Jesus means you can have peace with God:
1. You are accepted by God
In Romans 8:1, Paul says, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” When God looks at you, he no longer sees your sins and shortcomings. Instead, he sees Jesus and his perfection. That’s because, on the cross, Jesus died to pay for your past, present, and future sins.
When we trust him, we are credited with his perfection! That means your behavior doesn’t change God’s love for you. There is nothing you can do to earn his favor and nothing you can do to lose it. It’s all a gift from God.
2. You are adopted into God’s family
When you believe in Jesus, you become part of a new family. Because of our sins, we were separated from God and were considered his enemies. But thanks to Jesus, we are now sons and daughters of God! Paul says this in Romans 8:15: “The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.” We no longer need to live in fear of God but can approach him as a loving heavenly father.
3. You will never lose God’s love
One of the biggest fears people face is wondering if they can somehow lose God’s love. Paul answers that with a resounding no. In Romans 8:38-39, Paul writes, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” If you have found peace with God through Jesus, you can be assured that nothing can get in the way of his love for you. You have a relationship that cannot and will not be taken away. You are loved now and always.
Have you found peace with God?
If this is your first time considering the possibility that maybe, finally, you can have peace with God, it may be time to trust Jesus! To do that, simply talk to Jesus and say these three things:
- I have sinned. "For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard." Romans 3:23
- I believe you, Jesus, died on the cross for my sins. "But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners." Romans 5:8
- I choose your gift of forgiveness and new life. "If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9
If you’ve trusted Jesus today, let us know! We’re here to talk and pray with you, cheer you on, and help you figure out what’s next.
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LCBC stands for Lives Changed By Christ. We are one church in multiple locations across Pennsylvania. Find the location closest to you or join us for Church Online. We can’t wait to connect with you!