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“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ; by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also; knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope: and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.” Romans 5:1-9
These inspired thoughts are the basis of the Christian life and one’s relationship with God and Jesus. They contain 7 “P’s”, which have become more than words upon paper. They are my experience.
Peace:
“Being justified by faith we have peace with God through Jesus.”
Real peace isn’t found in the world. It is a gift of the Spirit which comes with accepting Jesus as Savior and knowing your sins are forgiven and you have eternal life. Jesus says, “In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer because I have overcome the world. My peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled; neither let it be afraid.” John 16:33; 14:27
As a young adult I felt restless. I knew God loved me. I had accepted Jesus as my Savior, but I lacked the assurance of salvation. The more I tried to be good, to not loose my temper, to have patience with my children, and to live as the scriptures instructed the more discouraged I became. I was on a search for peace, and it was eluding my grasp. I struggled and failed to live up to the high standard of God’s law. I cried tears of remorse and became exhausted spiritually from trying so hard.
One morning I threw myself on my bed sobbing out my failure. Sliding to my knees I prayed, “God, I can’t do it. I give up.” My heart surrender came when I admitted my need, and at that moment Jesus gave me His peace. It is a peace that passeth all understanding. “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee; because he trusteth in thee.” Isaiah 26:3. This is God’s promise; which brings me to the next P.
Promise:
“We have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand.”
Salvation, grace, faith, and peace are all a gift which the Father gives us through Jesus. Deliverance from the enemy, forgiveness and cleansing from sin, hope and victory is all the work of our Savior. We can trust God’s promise to do exceedingly, abundantly above all that we can ask or think, through His working in our lives by Jesus. “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life. For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is a gift of God.” Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8.
Our children had been asking for a play house for some time. We didn’t have money to buy the materials to build one, or their Daddy certainly would have. “When we get our income tax return I will build you a playhouse,” he promised them. Daddy made good on his promise by cashing the government check when it arrived and driving his pickup to the building supply store to purchase 2 x 4’s and plywood. He built a two story playhouse with an attic space, put an old window in one side, and hung a screen door on the front. With a shingled roof and brown painted sides, the playhouse still stands. Now the grandchildren like playing in it. How much more will our heavenly Father keep His promise to His children! “He is able to save to the uttermost all who come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them,” is one of His sure promises. (Hebrews 7:25)
Patience:
“Tribulation worketh patience, and patience, experience, and experience, hope.”
I have the assurance of salvation based on God’s promises, but that doesn’t mean my life is all rainbow colored and perfect. I live on a sinful planet where the devil is actively tempting and busy destroying. I’m in good company though, for as I read about Jesus life while on earth it was full of trials and tribulations. Faithfully Jesus went about healing and teaching, patiently carrying out His Father’s plans day by day, trusting and obeying Him. However, Jesus was assailed by Satan and His life was a constant battle against evil.
Going through troubles by relying on God’s strength develops an experience of firm faith in God’s Word. Of His followers Jesus says, “Here is the patience of the saints.” I have had many trying times in my life, but the trials have resulted in precious experiences of learning to trust God and rich rewards in my relationship with Jesus. Through the difficult situations God is at work for my good and His glory.
This word patience might better be translated endurance. It is a waiting that provides opportunity to trust God. I’ve had such a time this year. On February 16, 2009 my brother’s mission plane disappeared into the jungles of Venezuela. For weeks people have been searching for the plane and passengers, but so far not a trace has been found. The near certainty that they crashed and no one survived is the indication I get from the silence. Waiting has been a trying experience. Not knowing for sure, difficult. Grief and missing is a part of my life, not only from this current loss, but for years with various circumstances and family deaths. However, God is faithful and has spoken to me in my heart through words of scripture—His words. The experience of not knowing, of waiting patiently with endurance, certainly extends to hope—the blessed hope when Jesus will come and end all the heartache.
Presence of Jesus:
“The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”
Hope will not leave me empty, nor ashamed, because it is based on the reality of Jesus’ presence in my heart. It is Jesus abiding within that gives me hope. The love of God surrounds me and fills me with His Spirit. God’s presence is what holds me, comforts me, guides me, and encourages me. Without Jesus life would be hopeless. Without His love to sustain me I would have given up the fight long ago.
Knowing that God is love, not just intellectually, but spiritually, has made a huge difference in my life. One night I was so lonely, feeling that no one understood the trials I was in the midst of. I was discouraged and couldn’t quit crying. My pillow was wet with tears when I finally drifted off to sleep. God gave me a very personal dream that night. I was standing in our closet selecting clothes to wear when two arms reached out from among my dresses and embraced me. I didn’t see Jesus, but I felt His arms holding me tight. Such a feeling of being loved spread over me, warming my heart. It was an intimate moment, even though in a dream, and I awoke feeling emotionally revived.
Jesus promises, “Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. I will never leave you, nor forsake you. I and the Father will come and make our abode with you. Fear not, for I am with you.”
Power:
“When we were yet without strength, Christ died for us!”
If Jesus had not died for our sins, and risen again, we would have no power over the enemy. Without Jesus we are helpless and defenseless. Without Him we would perish. We are dependant upon Him for every breath and heartbeat, and spiritually He is our life.
Paul writes, “I want to know Jesus, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings.” Phil. 3:10.
“I am the resurrection and the life. All power is given me in heaven and in earth,” are Jesus’ words. “My strength is made perfect in your weakness.” Because Jesus lives in me I have abundant life, and through His power I am a new person from the inside out. It is Jesus’ power that gives me strength to overcome every temptation of Satan. He upholds me, works in me to do His will, and sustains me by His power. What Jesus calls me to do He enables me to accomplish, and His grace is sufficient.
Provision:
“While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
What a provision of love! God reached down to sinful man by giving us His precious Son to pay the penalty of sin. This is God’s redemptive act of justice and grace. God did not ordain that sin should exist, but He made provision in the plan of salvation that through Jesus life and death the sin problem could be eliminated from the universe. Jesus chose to lay down His life, to become the sacrificial Lamb.
Pardon:
“Being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.”
Drop by drop from His hands and feet Jesus wrote pardon in red with his blood. When we accept Jesus, His blood washes away our sins and pardon is stamped upon our record of sin. “He bore our griefs and carried our sorrows. He was wounded for our transgressions. The chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:4, 5.
What Jesus did, in bearing our sins and by taking our guilt and death, gives us healing, life, and peace. This brings us back to where we begin the “P’s” of God’s gracious gift.
It’s a circle of God’s love, linked with His provision of peace, promises, patience, power and pardon through Jesus’ abiding presence. Alleluia! Praise the LORD!
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