Romans 5:1-5

“Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand;” vss. 1-2a

Probably the biggest blessing of faith for a follower of Jesus is peace. Of course that doesn’t mean that we will never worry or be anxious! Even the most faithful folks will have plenty of concerns in the course of a lifetime. No one is perfectly calm all the time. But the faith that believers have gives  peace in our relationship with God. We just don’t have to worry that some day God is going to get us for our brokenness. Everything is going to be okay! 

How can we have that kind of confidence? The answer is pretty easy. Paul says it’s because in Christ we obtain access to grace. He is the solid rock on which we stand!

So which is more important, faith or grace? That’s one of those questions that is impossible to answer–faith and grace go together and cannot be separated. Where one is the other will be. Where there is no faith a believer will not have access to grace. Where there is no grace, faith cannot bring peace.

Both grace and faith are gifts from God. Together they bring us peace that is beyond human understanding. And both are inextricably linked to the work of the Holy Spirit. 

Thought for the Day: Am I more of a “faith” person or a “grace” person?