Scripture: “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” — Romans 5:1 (KJV)
Devotional Thought
There’s a freedom that comes when we finally understand what Paul meant by “justified by faith.” It means that our standing before God is not determined by what we’ve done—but by what Christ has done for us.
Many of us spend years trying to earn God’s approval through good works, moral living, and religious routines. While those things may reflect a life changed by grace, they can never produce grace. Justification—being declared righteous before a holy God—is not something we work for; it is something we receive by faith.
When Jesus went to the cross, He carried our sins with Him. When He rose from the grave, He declared our debt paid in full. The moment we place our faith in Him, God looks upon us and sees not our failures, but Christ’s righteousness. We are clothed in His perfection.
Faith, therefore, is not wishful thinking—it is trust. It’s the confident assurance that what Jesus did is enough. No penance, no ritual, no performance can add to what He accomplished on Calvary. As the old hymn says, “Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to Thy cross I cling.”
Because of faith, we can rest in peace with God. The striving stops, the guilt lifts, and the soul breathes again. Justification brings peace because the war between our sinful nature and God’s holiness has ended—Christ has won it for us.
Reflection Questions
- Do I truly believe that Christ’s righteousness is enough to cover my sin?
- Am I still trying to earn God’s approval through my own efforts?
- How can I live today in the peace that comes from being justified by faith?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for declaring me righteous through faith in Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help me to stop striving for what You’ve already given freely. Let my heart rest in Your grace, and let my life reflect gratitude for the salvation I could never earn. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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