18. Peace with God
Romans 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Those who are justified by faith enjoy the promise of peace with God. Peace with God is the foundation for peace within that guards our hearts and minds. Peace with God also lays a foundation for peace with other people. Peace with God comes in place of separation, hostility, rebellion and enmity with God; it means that our relationship with God is loving, kind and intimate. The promise of peace with God means that God is able to be with us, hear our prayers, and help us out in every time of need. Peace of God is peace with our own accusing consciences and even with our own justly deserved feelings of guilt. Peace with God replaces inner turmoil, unsettling anxiety and debilitating emotions. Peace with God is really good for us.
Peace with God prevents us from being at war, enmity, strife, separation and divorce with spouse, family, friends and neighbors. When we remember our Baptism, remind ourselves of justification by faith, and call to mind the peace we have with God we will not be easily offended and will be ready to forgive when trespassed against. This keeps the peace. We are also ready to apologize and make amends in order to maintain God-given peace with others; we can do this easily because we have been justified and are at peace with God.
Justification and forgiveness promises and provides inner peace. It is the peace of God that rules our hearts, lives, words, decisions and actions. Keeping the peace is not easy work, but with God’s help it is possible. We believe this promise and solidify peace with God through the Gospel. Justification causes ripples like peace; peace with God causes other ripples like a peaceful life.