The verse highlights that "peace with God" isn't just the absence of conflict, but an active, present possession that flows directly from being justified by faith, not as a goal to be achieved but as a reality we have through Christ's finished work. This peace isn't an emotional feeling alone, but an objective state of reconciliation, the immediate and abiding result of being declared righteous.
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Having just demonstrated that justification comes through faith in Christ's finished work, not by obeying the Law, Paul transitions to the glorious results of this divine declaration. He begins by highlighting the immediate peace believers experience with God, not as an emotional feeling, but as an objective state of reconciliation made possible through Jesus Christ's sacrifice and resurrection. This newfound peace is the foundation for the triumphant joy and hope that will unfold in the subsequent verses.
We often think of 'peace' as just a feeling, but in Romans 5:1, it's something much more profound. It's a relational status change granted by God.
The verse states, "Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God." This isn't just about feeling calm; it's about a fundamental shift in our relationship with the Almighty.
From Enmity to Reconciliation
Before justification, humanity is described as being in a state of enmity with God (Romans 5:10). Our sin created a barrier, making us enemies, subject to His wrath. Justification, made possible through faith in Jesus Christ, tears down this barrier.
The Objective Reality
This peace is an objective reality – a declared state of reconciliation. It means God, the offended party, now looks upon us not as enemies, but as His children, because Christ's righteousness has been credited to us. This isn't dependent on our fluctuating emotions, but on God's unchanging decree.
The peace we have with God isn't a happy accident; it's the direct result of intentional, sacrificial work through Jesus Christ.
The phrase "through our Lord Jesus Christ" is crucial. It anchors our peace firmly in His person and work.
The Great Peace-Maker
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Jesus is the ultimate "peace-maker." His death on the cross wasn't just a demonstration of love; it was the act that satisfied divine justice and appeased God's wrath against our sin. By paying the penalty we deserved, He bridged the chasm between a holy God and sinful humanity.
Our Access to Grace
Because of Jesus' sacrifice, we are not only forgiven but are granted "access into this grace in which we now stand" (Romans 5:2). This means we don't just have the absence of conflict, but the presence of God's favor and acceptance, all initiated and sustained through Christ.
Understand the original words
dikaioō · Greek Verb (Participle)
To be declared righteous by God; a legal forensic act where God imputes the righteousness of Christ to the believer, removing the guilt of sin and restoring a right standing before Him.
eirēnē · Greek Noun
The condition of reconciliation with God; the end of hostility between a holy God and sinful humanity, achieved solely through the redemptive work of Christ.
pistis · Greek Noun
The means by which a believer enters into a relationship with God; the act of trusting in Christ's work rather than one's own merit for salvation.
prosagōgē · Greek Noun
The privilege of being introduced into God's presence; the status of having direct, unhindered intimacy with God made possible by Christ.
charis · Greek Noun
God’s unmerited favor; the active demonstration of God’s kindness that provides salvation, sustains the believer, and empowers godly living.
doxa · Greek Noun
The radiant manifestation of God's presence and character; the ultimate future realization of God’s majesty that believers will share in eternally.
elpis · Greek Noun
The confident, sure expectation of future blessings based on the promises and character of God, rather than a mere wish.
This passage speaks of the 'work of righteousness' bringing about 'quietness and confidence forever,' directly paralleling the peace that comes from justification in Romans 5:1.
John 14:27Jesus Himself promises 'peace I leave with you; my peace I give you,' a concept deeply connected to the peace with God that believers receive through Him in Romans 5:1.
Colossians 1:20This verse highlights Christ's work in reconciling all things to God through His blood, echoing the idea that peace is established 'through our Lord Jesus Christ' as mentioned in Romans 5:1.
Hebrews 4:16This passage encourages believers to 'come boldly to the throne of grace' to receive mercy and find grace, illustrating the secure and peaceful access to God that justification by faith provides.
Philippians 4:7The promise of the 'peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,' serves as a profound expression of the inner tranquility that results from having peace with God through Christ.
henryRomans 5:1-5: "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:"
5:1-5 A blessed change takes place in the sinner's state, when he becomes a true believer, whatever he has been. Being justified by faith he has peace with God. The holy, righteous God, cannot be at peace with a sinner, while under the guilt of sin. Justification takes away the guilt, and so makes way for peace. This is through our Lord Jesus Christ; through him as the great Peace-maker, th…
expositorsRomans 5:1: "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:"
Chapter 12 PEACE, LOVE, AND JOY FOR THE JUSTIFIED Romans 5:1-11 WE reached a pause in the Apostle’s thought with the close of the last paragraph. We may reverently imagine, as in spirit we listen to his dictation, that a pause comes also in his work; that he is silent, and Tertius puts down the pen, and they spend their hearts awhile on worshipping recollection and realisation. The Lord deliv…
The verse highlights that "peace with God" isn't just the absence of conflict, but an active, present possession that flows directly from being justified by faith, not as a goal to be achieved but as a reality we have through Christ's finished work. This peace isn't an emotional feeling alone, but an objective state of reconciliation, the immediate and abiding result of being declared righteous.
Having just demonstrated that justification comes through faith in Christ's finished work, not by obeying the Law, Paul transitions to the glorious results of this divine declaration. He begins by highlighting the immediate peace believers experience with God, not as an emotional feeling, but as an objective state of reconciliation made possible through Jesus Christ's sacrifice and resurrection. This newfound peace is the foundation for the triumphant joy and hope that will unfold in the subsequent verses.
Having just demonstrated that justification comes through faith in Christ's finished work, not by obeying the Law, Paul transitions to the glorious results of this divine declaration. He begins by highlighting the immediate peace believers experience with God, not as an emotional feeling, but as an objective state of reconciliation made possible through Jesus Christ's sacrifice and resurrection. This newfound peace is the foundation for the triumphant joy and hope that will unfold in the subsequent verses.
"Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God." — The verse highlights that "peace with God" isn't just the absence of conflict, but an active, present possession that flows directly from being justified by faith, not as a goal to be achieved but as…
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Last reviewed October 2026
