Being therefore justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ; through whom we also have our access by faith into this grace in which we stand. We rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:1-2 WEB

What exactly does the concept of justification by faith mean? A person who is justified is an individual who is seen as just or righteous. As repentant sinners who believe in Christ, our justification comes by faith in the sacrifice Jesus made to atone for our sins. Justification by faith comes by the grace of God and not through our own actions. 

No one follows the law perfectly and no one lives without committing sin. Only God himself, in the person of his Son Jesus Christ, lived a sinless life. As we read in 2 Corinthians 5:21, “For him who knew no sin he made to be sin on our behalf; so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. WEB” Although all men sin and fall short of the glory of God, Jesus took on the sins of the world to establish peace with God for those who believe in Christ. 

Jesus Is the Way

The apostle Paul teaches of the rift between sinful man and God in Collosians 1:21 writing, “Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. NIV” Our sin and wickedness separates us from God but Jesus bridges the divide between God and man. As the Lord says in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me. WEB” 

We read in Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is assurance of things hoped for, proof of things not seen. WEB” With genuine faith, we actively believe, giving evidence of the hope we have in the goodness and glory of God. As we read in James 2:17, “Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead in itself. WEB” Saved by the grace of God, justified by faith, our access to our heavenly Father and peace with God come through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Yesterday’s Devotional: Keep My Word