Grace In Which We Stand

Date: March 2, 2023

I use the BLESS method every morning for my devotional. 

B - Bible Verse
L - Listen for God's Word and pray
E - Explore the History and meaning
S - Study and savor
S - Summarize and Share

You can read more about it by going to: What is a Faith Journal?

Bible Scripture Verse – Romans 5:1-2

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God."

Listen for God’s Voice

Lord, I pray that you would fill me with your peace that surpasses all understanding. Help me to trust in you and your goodness, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.

May I always remember that my access to your grace comes through faith in Jesus Christ, and that it is only by your power that I am able to stand firm in this faith.

Lord, I pray that you would give me a deep and abiding hope in your promises. May I never forget that my ultimate hope is in sharing in your glory.

Explore History – Who wrote it, when and to what audience? Key people in the story?

Romans, which was written by the apostle Paul around 56-58 AD. He wrote the letter to the Romans while he was in Corinth, Greece, and it is considered one of his most significant works. The letter was written to the Christians in Rome that included both Jewish and Gentile believers.

Study and Savor – Key Words

"justified through faith" refers to the idea that we are made right with God by our faith in Jesus Christ. This means that we are forgiven of our sins and reconciled to God through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.

"peace with God" highlights the result of being justified by faith. Because we are no longer separated from God by our sin, we are able to have a peaceful relationship with him.

"access by faith into this grace" emphasizes that our access to God's grace is not based on our own merit or works, but on our faith in Jesus. This grace includes God's unmerited favor and blessing, as well as the power to live a godly life.

"stand" indicates that believers are able to remain in this state of grace and peace with God through their continued faith in Jesus.

"boast in the hope of the glory of God" highlights the confidence and joy that believers have in the promise of future glory and perfection in heaven. This hope is based on the assurance of God's faithfulness and the reality of our salvation through Jesus Christ.

Summarize and Share

Romans 5:1-2 is a powerful passage that speaks to the heart of the Christian faith. These verses remind us that through faith in Jesus Christ, we have been justified before God and have been given access to his grace and peace.

When we have peace with God, it changes everything in our lives. It means that we no longer have to live in fear or anxiety about our relationship with him. We can rest in the knowledge that we have been forgiven of our sins and are reconciled to God through Jesus Christ. This peace gives us the strength and courage to face the challenges of life and to trust in God's goodness and faithfulness.

As believers, we must embrace this truth and live in the light of it each day. We can do this by reminding ourselves of the reality of our justification by faith and by continually seeking to deepen our relationship with God by spending time in prayer and reading the Bible, attending church and other Christian gatherings, and serving others in Jesus' name.

As we live in the reality of our peace with God, we can also share this good news with others. We can be a witness to those around us by living out the love and grace of Jesus in our words and actions. We can point others to the hope and joy that comes from knowing Christ and encourage them to place their faith in him.

Let’s embrace this truth and share it with others, so that they too may experience the peace and grace of God in their lives.

Bible Cross Reference

Ephesians 2:8-9 - "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast." This passage, like Romans 5:1-2, emphasizes the importance of faith and grace in our salvation.

Hebrews 4:16 - "Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." This verse highlights the access we have to God's grace through our faith in Jesus, a theme also present in Romans 5:1-2.

Colossians 1:21-22 - "Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation." This passage emphasizes the idea of reconciliation with God through Jesus Christ, a concept also present in Romans 5:1-2.

Philippians 4:6-7 - "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." This verse speaks to the peace that comes from our relationship with God through Jesus Christ, a theme also present in Romans 5:1-2.