Summer School: “Jesus + Nothing = Everything” — Friday
Romans 5:1
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. (CSB)
I don’t know about you, but I’ve always been one for bumper stickers on a car. I love when I’m driving and have the opportunity to read some on surrounding cars. The funny ones are the best, but I can also appreciate the location decals that reveal a person has traveled to really cool places. If it were up to me, our car would be littered with them. My wife, on the other hand, is not a fan, so I have willingly agreed to have only two on my personal car. Compromise.
I remember once seeing a sticker that read, “No God, No Peace. Know God, Know Peace.” Some may say that’s corny, but I find it particularly thought-provoking. It’s such a simple statement with profound implications: If you don’t have God, then you will never know true peace. But if you do know God, then you will live in His peace—the peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7). I can’t think of a more honest and accurate adage.
We find that same truth in today’s verse, which tells us that when we are justified by our faith in Jesus, the fruit of that is to know true peace. What does it mean to be justified? It means to be declared righteous—free from sin and guilt—by God. When we put our faith in Jesus, our sins are completely forgiven and washed away, enabling us to actually have a relationship with our holy God. We can be confident that we are forgiven and loved by the God of the Universe, and because of this, we can forever live in peace.
Friday’s Reflection
Pray this prayer today: Jesus, if I have placed my hope in anything else but You, please forgive me. You are the ultimate source of peace. Strengthen my faith today to believe You when You say, “It is finished.”
