Romans 5:1

KJV

¶ Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore {G3767} being justified {G1344} by {G1537} faith {G4102}, we have {G2192} peace {G1515} with {G4314} God {G2316} through {G1223} our {G2257} Lord {G2962} Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547}:

Complete Jewish Bible

So, since we have come to be considered righteous by God because of our trust, let us continue to have shalom with God through our Lord, Yeshua the Messiah.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

American Standard Version

Being therefore justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 5:1 serves as a foundational declaration, articulating the glorious spiritual reality that follows the doctrine of justification by faith, meticulously laid out in the preceding chapters of Paul's letter. It transitions from the theological explanation of how humanity is made righteous before God to the profound, experiential blessing that stems from this new standing: a settled, harmonious relationship and reconciliation with God, made possible exclusively through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 5:1 marks a significant pivot in Paul's epistle. Chapters 1-3 meticulously establish the universal indictment of sin, demonstrating that both Jew and Gentile are under God's wrath and incapable of self-justification. [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Universal Sinfulness") famously states that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Chapter 3 then introduces God's divine solution: justification by grace through faith in Christ Jesus, apart from works of the law, as highlighted in [Romans 3:28](/romans/3-28 "Justification by Faith, Not Works"). Chapter 4 reinforces this truth by presenting Abraham as the quintessential example of one justified by faith, even before the Mosaic Law was given, as seen in [Romans 4:3](/romans/4-3 "Abraham Justified by Faith"). Thus, Romans 5:1 begins with "Therefore," signaling a direct logical consequence of the preceding theological arguments. It shifts the focus from the *means* of salvation (justification by faith) to the *results* and *blessings* that flow from it, initiating a discussion of peace, access, hope, and love that extends through [Romans 5:1-11](/romans/5-1-11 "The Blessings of Justification").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's letter to the Romans was written to a diverse church in Rome, comprising both Jewish and Gentile believers. This community likely experienced tension between those who emphasized adherence to the Mosaic Law for righteousness and those who embraced justification solely by faith in Christ. Paul's systematic exposition in Romans, particularly in the opening chapters, directly addresses these theological debates, asserting the supremacy and universality of God's grace through Christ. The concept of "peace" (Greek: _eirḗnē_) would have resonated deeply in a Roman world often characterized by conflict and imperial power, where _Pax Romana_ (Roman Peace) was enforced by military might. Paul contrasts this with a spiritual peace, a reconciliation with the ultimate sovereign, God, which is not achieved by human power or legalistic adherence but by divine grace. The idea of "justification" (Greek: _dikaióō_) was a legal term, familiar in both Jewish and Roman legal systems, signifying a declaration of innocence or righteousness, which Paul redefines in a theological context as God's gracious act of declaring sinners righteous.

* **Key Themes:** Romans 5:1 encapsulates several major theological themes central to Paul's thought and the broader biblical narrative. The most prominent is **Justification by Faith**, which is the bedrock of Christian doctrine, emphasizing that salvation is a gift received through trust in Christ, not earned by human merit. This verse explicitly states that our righteous standing before God is "by faith," echoing the arguments in [Romans 3](/romans/3 "Romans 3 - All Have Sinned and Are Justified by Grace") and [Romans 4](/romans/4 "Romans 4 - Abraham Justified by Faith"). Another crucial theme is **Peace with God**. Before justification, humanity is alienated from God due to sin, described as being at enmity with Him, as explored in [Romans 8:7](/romans/8-7 "The Mind Set on the Flesh Is Hostile to God"). Justification removes this hostility, establishing a state of profound reconciliation and harmony. This peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a positive, flourishing relationship. Finally, the verse underscores the **Mediatorial Role of Jesus Christ**. The entire process of justification and the resulting peace is "through our Lord Jesus Christ," highlighting that Christ's atoning work is the sole basis for humanity's reconciliation with a holy God, a theme consistently presented throughout the New Testament, for instance, in [Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Reconciliation Through Christ's Blood").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **justified (Greek, _dikaióō'_):** from δίκαιος; to render (i.e. show or regard as) just or innocent:--free, justify(-ier), be righteous. Paul employs this legal term to describe God's gracious act of declaring a believing sinner righteous. It is not a process of becoming righteous through one's own efforts, but a definitive, forensic declaration of a new status before God, based entirely on Christ's perfect righteousness imputed to the believer. This declaration frees us from the condemnation of sin.
* **faith (Greek, _pístis'_):** from πείθω; persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstractly, constancy in such profession; by extension, the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself:--assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity. In this context, _pístis_ refers to the active trust and reliance upon God's promise and the finished work of Jesus Christ. It is the instrumental means through which God's justifying grace is received, not a meritorious work in itself.
* **peace (Greek, _eirḗnē'_):** probably from a primary verb (to join); peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity:--one, peace, quietness, rest, + set at one again. This word signifies far more than just the absence of conflict. In the biblical sense, _eirḗnē_ (Hebrew: _shalom_) denotes wholeness, well-being, security, and a state of reconciliation and harmony. Here, it specifically refers to the cessation of hostility between God and humanity, and the establishment of a right, flourishing relationship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore being justified by faith,"**: This opening phrase acts as a logical conclusion drawn from the preceding chapters (Romans 1-4). "Therefore" (Greek: _oûn_) signals that what follows is a direct consequence. "Being justified" (Greek: _dikaióō_) refers to the past, completed action of God declaring believers righteous. This declaration is not earned by human deeds but is received "by faith" (Greek: _ek pístis_), meaning "out of faith" or "from faith," emphasizing faith as the sole conduit through which this divine act is appropriated.
* **"we have peace with God"**: This clause states the immediate and glorious result of justification. The verb "have" (Greek: _échō_) indicates a present, continuous possession. It is not a peace we strive for, but one we already possess as a settled reality. This "peace" (Greek: _eirḗnē_) signifies the end of enmity and the establishment of a restored, harmonious relationship between sinful humanity and a holy God.
* **"through our Lord Jesus Christ:"**: This final phrase is crucial, identifying the sole mediator and means by which both justification and the subsequent peace are obtained. The preposition "through" (Greek: _diá_) denotes the channel or instrument. It is not through human effort, religious ritual, or legalistic observance, but exclusively through the person and finished work of "our Lord Jesus Christ" (Greek: _kýrios Iēsoûs Christós_), whose sacrificial death and resurrection made this reconciliation possible.

#### Literary Devices
Romans 5:1 is a concise yet profound **Theological Declaration** that functions as a **Summary Statement** of the gospel's immediate benefits. The opening word, "Therefore" (**Logical Progression**), acts as a strong **Connective** device, linking the doctrinal exposition of justification in previous chapters to its practical implications. The verse employs **Conciseness** to pack immense theological truth into a single sentence. It also uses **Emphasis** through its direct declaration of "peace with God," highlighting this as a primary and immediate blessing. The phrase "through our Lord Jesus Christ" serves as a **Causal Link** and **Attribution**, firmly rooting the entire experience of justification and peace in the person and work of Christ, underscoring His **Mediatorial Role**.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 5:1 is a bedrock passage for understanding the Christian's standing before God. It succinctly articulates the profound shift from a state of alienation and enmity with God to one of reconciliation and peace, all made possible by God's gracious act of justification. This peace is not merely an emotional feeling, but a settled, objective reality of a restored relationship with the Creator, based on the legal declaration of righteousness. This truth liberates believers from the burden of earning God's favor and invites them into a confident, intimate communion with Him. The verse underscores that this transformative peace is not self-generated but is a divine gift, mediated solely through the atoning work of Jesus Christ, making Him the indispensable cornerstone of our salvation and our relationship with God.

* [Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Christ Our Peace") - Paul describes Christ as "our peace," who has broken down the wall of hostility and reconciled both Jews and Gentiles to God through the cross.
* [Colossians 1:20-22](/colossians/1-20-22 "Reconciliation Through Christ") - This passage speaks of God reconciling all things to Himself through Christ, making peace by the blood of His cross, and presenting believers holy and blameless before Him.
* [Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "The Peace of God") - While Romans 5:1 speaks of "peace with God" (objective reconciliation), Philippians 4:7 speaks of "the peace of God" (subjective experience), which guards hearts and minds, a direct outflow of the objective peace established in Christ.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 5:1 offers profound assurance and comfort to every believer. It declares that our fundamental problem – our estrangement from a holy God due to sin – has been definitively resolved through Christ. We are no longer under condemnation, but have been declared righteous, and as a result, we possess a settled peace with God. This peace transforms our relationship with Him from one of fear, distance, or striving to one of intimacy, access, and grace. It means we can approach God not as a judge to be appeased, but as a loving Father who has welcomed us into His family. This objective peace then becomes the foundation for subjective peace in our hearts and minds, enabling us to live free from anxiety about our eternal standing and to confidently navigate life's challenges knowing our ultimate security is in Christ. It calls us to rest in God's finished work, rather than striving in our own strength, and to live out the implications of this new, reconciled relationship daily.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding "justification by faith" impact your daily sense of security and acceptance before God?**
* **In what ways does knowing you "have peace with God" change your perspective on prayer, worship, or trials?**
* **How does the truth that this peace comes "through our Lord Jesus Christ" deepen your appreciation for His sacrifice?**
* **What practical steps can you take to more fully live in the reality of the peace with God that you already possess?**

### FAQ

**What is the difference between "peace with God" and "the peace of God"?**

Answer: "Peace with God" (Romans 5:1) refers to the objective, judicial reality of reconciliation between a holy God and sinful humanity. It signifies the end of hostility and the establishment of a right relationship, brought about by justification through faith in Christ. It is a legal status change. "The peace of God" (Philippians 4:7), on the other hand, refers to the subjective, experiential peace that guards a believer's heart and mind. It is the tranquility, calm, and inner serenity that God provides, which flows from having peace *with* Him. One is a state of being, the other is an experience.

**Does "being justified by faith" mean that good works are unimportant for Christians?**

Answer: Absolutely not. While [Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Justified by Faith") clearly states that justification is by faith alone, this does not negate the importance of good works. Paul consistently teaches that good works are the *result* and *evidence* of genuine faith, not the *means* of salvation. As [Ephesians 2:8-10](/ephesians/2-8-10 "Saved by Grace for Good Works") explains, "For by grace you have been saved through faith... not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." True faith will inevitably produce a life of obedience and good deeds, demonstrating the reality of one's transformed heart.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 5:1 finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is not merely the instrument but the very embodiment of the peace and justification we receive. The "peace with God" that Paul declares is the direct result of Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross, where He bore the wrath of God against sin, thereby satisfying divine justice and making reconciliation possible. As the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), Jesus Himself became our peace, breaking down the dividing wall of hostility between God and humanity, as beautifully articulated in [Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Christ Our Peace"). Through His perfect life, substitutionary death, and triumphant resurrection, Christ secured our righteous standing before God. He is our [righteousness, sanctification, and redemption](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification, and Redemption"). Thus, every blessing outlined in Romans 5:1, from our justified status to our settled peace with God, flows directly from our union with Christ and His finished work, making Him the indispensable foundation and glorious object of our faith.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 32:17

And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.

Romans 15:13

¶ Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

Acts 13:38

Be it known unto you therefore, men [and] brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:

Acts 13:39

And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.

John 16:33

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Colossians 1:20

And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, [I say], whether [they be] things in earth, or things in heaven.

Romans 6:23

For the wages of sin [is] death; but the gift of God [is] eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.