To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 1:7
You’re Either a Saint or an Ain’t
I study my Bible using the King James and the New King James versions. I only point that out because in those editions the recorders occasionally insert italicized words or phrases that are intended to help the reader better understand the text. Unfortunately, sometimes those modest flourishes detract from the Authors’ (Gods’) true intent and muddy the water. In Romans 1:7 we discover one of those regrettable expressions—the phrase ‘to be’ should not be there. Those who are born again are not called to be, or are working towards sainthood—at rebirth all Christians are saints.
But That’s Not What I Wanted to Talk About
In the passage, the Apostle Paul combines the Hebrew shalom and the Greek charis to formulate his all-inclusive greeting, “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” It is a greeting Paul uses over and over, and each time with grace always preceding peace. Why? Because it infers that we cannot maintain any type of sustained peace unless we have first received God’s grace through Jesus Christ. Without Jesus any peace we might have is temporary at best. As Paul has written, ‘peace is from God.’
But That’s Not all
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:1-2
Our peace is from God and it is also with God. What does that mean? God is proclaiming to everyone that what His Son accomplished on the cross put Him at peace with us. He is not mad at us, He is not disappointed in us, He is not annoyed with us—He is at peace with those, who by faith have accepted His free gift of grace.
But There’s Still More
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
We also have access to the peace of God. The peace we have with God is unconditional (for the born-again believer that is), but the peace we can have of God comes experientially through prayer. It’s not a work we have to do, but rather something we get to do—and why wouldn’t we want to? The promise from God is that when we toss aside our burdens and come to Him in prayer, His peace is our peace.
There is of course the evil one and his henchman that set out to continually remind us that we are not worthy to approach His throne, recalling us to our past sin and spiritual shortcomings. We have all heard his chants, “You haven’t been to church in weeks, ” or “Look at the dust on your Bible, how can you possibly think about going to God in prayer, He won’t hear you.” It’s a lie from the pit of hell. Despite our inadequacies and failures, God is at peace with us and we have none other than Judas to remind us of that.
And while He was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, with a great multitude with swords and clubs, came from the chief priests and elders of the people. Now His betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the One; seize Him.” Immediately he went up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. But Jesus said to him, “Friend, why have you come?” Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and took Him. Matthew 26:47-50
Whenever we are beginning to feel inadequate or unworthy to approach our Lord Jesus, all we need do is remember this passage from Matthew’s Gospel. We all know what Judas did, but we don’t everything he did. Jesus knew everything and of course He knew of this ultimate betrayal. But yet, in spite of knowing that Judas would not repent, Jesus calls him friend, as if to say, “Judas, you have done this deed and the damage is done, but repent my friend, it is not to late.”
Can we not assume if Jesus were at peace with Judas (with all his baggage), that He is also at peace with us? What wretched things could we possibly have done that would exceed the error of Judas? There are none for those who believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior. Saints, we have peace with God and we can have the peace of God whenever we choose.
…And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7
Today’s Compassion’s Child
Astrid is 7 years old and she lives with her Mom in Columbia–there are 12 children in the family and no dad. Astrid helps with duties around the home, including making beds and cleaning. Astrid enjoys art, playing with dolls and running. Astrid means ’divine beauty’.
Astrid needs a sponsor and your sponsorship will provide her with a loving, church-based child program that provides: food and clean water, medical care, educational opportunities, and important life-skills training. Most importantly, Astrid will hear about Jesus Christ and be encouraged to develop a lifelong relationship. She will know your name, write to you, treasure the thought that you care, and will pray for you.
Sponsor Astrid today and I will send you Dr Wess Stafford’s ‘Too Small to Ignore’ for free as a thank-you.
To sponsor Astrid simply respond by writing, “I WANT TO SPONSOR ASTRID” in the comments section and I will send you her information packet.
Please pray about sponsoring Astrid. God bless you all.
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