What does it mean to have peace with God?
Having peace with God is a profound and life-changing gift offered to us through Jesus Christ. At its core, it speaks to being reconciled and brought into right relationship with our Creator. When we have peace with God, we move from hostility and alienation to intimacy and acceptance.
Several key aspects comprise this peace:
We are forgiven of our sins
Our biggest problem before God is our sin. Sin ruptures our relationship with Him. It provokes His righteous wrath and makes us deserving of judgment (Romans 1:18). But even while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). When we repent and believe in Jesus, the blood He shed on the cross secures our forgiveness (Ephesians 1:7). Our slate is wiped clean, and our sins are remembered no more (Hebrews 8:12). Through faith, we are declared righteous before God (Romans 3:21-24). This removes all barriers between us and allows peace.
We are reconciled to God
Sin also creates hostility and division between us and God. We become God’s enemies in our minds through wicked works (Colossians 1:21). But Christ’s death bridges this divide. He endured God’s wrath in our place, so we could be welcomed into God’s family (Romans 5:10-11). Now, instead of estrangement, we can have intimacy with the Father. We are no longer alienated but reconciled through Christ’s physical body (Colossians 1:21-22). His finished work removes what separates us from God.
We have access to God’s presence
Sin blocks our access to God’s presence. In the Old Testament, only the high priest could enter God’s presence, and only after extensive cleansing (Leviticus 16:2-3). But Jesus tore the temple veil, opening access to God for all who believe (Matthew 27:51). His sacrifice sanctifies us, allowing us to approach boldly (Hebrews 10:19-22). The Holy Spirit also dwells within us, giving constant communion with God (1 Corinthians 6:19). We can now live continually in the peaceful presence of the Father.
We are no longer condemned
Before faith in Christ, we live under condemnation. God’s perfect law pronounces everyone guilty, silencing all excuses (Romans 3:19-20). Consequently, we live in fear of judgment and suffer a tormented conscience (Hebrews 10:22). But the blood of Jesus declares our innocence and removes this crushing weight. There is now no condemnation for those in Christ (Romans 8:1). We have been acquitted and can experience the peace of total forgiveness (Colossians 1:22). What rest this brings!
We have assurance of heavenly citizenship
As sinners, we are enemies of God and children of the devil (John 8:44; Ephesians 2:2-3). But through faith, we are adopted into God’s family as dearly loved children (Galatians 4:4-6; Ephesians 1:5). We become citizens of heaven itself (Philippians 3:20). This grants us permanent legal standing before God, along with access to all heavenly resources. We need no longer strive to measure up but can rest in our new identity and position in Christ.
We are given the Holy Spirit
A key blessing accompanying salvation is receiving the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38-39). The Spirit applies Christ’s redeeming work to our lives and brings inner transformation. He replaces anxiety and fear with godly peace and assurance (Romans 8:15-16). We receive strength to obey God, bear good fruit, and witness to others (Galatians 5:22-23; Acts 1:8). The very presence of God dwells in us, guiding us continually into deeper peace.
We enjoy a new purpose and destiny
Before Christ, we wander through life aimlessly, or pursue shallow ambitions. But with peace from God, we gain a transcendent purpose: glorifying God and enjoying Him forever. Our lives find direction and meaning as we walk in good works (Ephesians 2:10). We also inherit an amazing destiny as God’s children. One day, we will fully know Christ and become like Him in His perfect kingdom (1 John 3:2-3). This future hope lends peace and courage for today.
We receive powerful promises and blessings
God lavishes promises on all who believe in His Son. For example: He will supply our needs (Philippians 4:19). He works all things for our ultimate good (Romans 8:28). He gives strength to face every trial (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). He promises never to leave us (Hebrews 13:5). These truths provide security and comfort greater than anything the world can give. Our lives overflow with purpose, protection, and provision from a gracious Father.
We can overcome anxiety and fear
Sin leaves us constantly anxious about the future, trapped in fears about past failures, and worried over present circumstances. But Scripture says anyone in Christ becomes a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). Old things pass away. We can live in victory over crippling anxiety and debilitating fear. God’s peace guards our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:6-7). He gives us stability and confidence, no matter our situations.
We have hope beyond the grave
Unbelievers have no hope beyond this fallen world (1 Thessalonians 4:13). But in Christ, we gain victory over death itself. His resurrection ensures our future resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:20-22). At death, we go to be with Him in paradise (2 Corinthians 5:6-8). We can face sickness, old age, and martyrdom with courage. No pain or trial compares to the eternal glory awaiting us (Romans 8:18). This hope brings tremendous peace.
We relate to others in love
Without Christ, we live selfishly, using people for gain. But with God’s peace, we can sincerely love others. We forgive as God forgives us (Ephesians 4:32). We have compassion, humility, kindness, meekness, and patience (Colossians 3:12-14). In relationships, we reflect God’s grace and build others up in the faith (2 Corinthians 13:11). Peace from God overflows into peace with others.
In summary, peace with God means being forgiven, reconciled, assured, guided, purposeful, victorious, and loving. We receive these blessings through trusting in the saving work of Jesus Christ. There is simply no greater gift than finding true peace with our Creator. It provides indescribable joy and security even amid trials. We all may have that peace by God’s grace through faith in His Son.