1. A POSITION
"Therefore being justified by faith"
What is justification? Just-as-if-I’d-never-sinned
When we place our faith in Christ alone, God the Father treats us as if we had never sinned. Remember that justification is by faith. It is obtained not attained.
In the previous chapter Paul speaks of men like Abraham and David who were justified by faith in Christ alone.
2. A POSSESSION
"we have peace with God"
Paul had this peace and anyone can have it. You can have peace with God right now. But remember that peace is the fruit of justification.
Because of man’s sin, God and man are enemies, but when we are justified that animosity is removed.
3. A PERSON
"through our Lord Jesus Christ"
Peace comes through Jesus. Ephesians 2:14 "he is our peace". In Judges 6:24 we read of Gideon’s altar. What was it called? Jehovah-shalom. "The LORD my peace".
a) At His birth Christ brought peace
b) In His life Christ taught peace
c) By His death He bought peace
Job 22:21 "Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace".
(Acknowledgements to Pastor Alan Carr whose sermon ’Why true believers can rejoice’ was a great help in preparation of this message)
