Tag: Lord Jesus

Yesterday, Today, Forever: Jesus NEVER Changes

Posted on by thechristiantechnerd

I took a long walk earlier this morning—down by the little trail near the old bridge—and I found myself whispering one scripture over and over, like oxygen for my soul: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8). It’s funny how a verse I’ve known since childhood can suddenly feel brand new when my heart is tired or overwhelmed.

The world feels so volatile at times—like sand shifting under my feet. People change, circumstances change, plans change, my own emotions change. And sometimes I catch myself wishing life could slow down just long enough for me to breathe deeply. But today, while walking in the crisp morning air, I heard that familiar whisper of the Holy Spirit reminding me: Jesus never changes. No matter how chaotic everything feels, He remains the same steady, loving, faithful Savior.

I let that truth settle in my spirit like warm sunlight.

The Power of His Name Never Changes
I kept thinking about the first part of Hebrews 13:8—“Jesus Christ is the same…”—as if the sentence couldn’t even wait to introduce “yesterday, today, and forever.” The emphasis is on His identity first. Jesus Christ is the same. His very name carries power, and that power has not diluted over time. I think sometimes I forget just how much strength, authority, and gentleness is bound up in the name of Jesus.

When I first got saved, I remember how speaking His name felt like crossing from darkness into light. I was so tangled up in superstition, fear, and some practices I didn’t even fully understand at the time—things I now recognize as occult or spiritually dangerous. But when I gave my life to Jesus, all of those chains broke. It wasn’t because I suddenly became wise or brave—it was because His name carried a power that darkness couldn’t withstand. I didn’t fully understand it then, but looking back now, I see how strong and steady His hand was, even when I was stumbling my way into grace.

YESTERDAY

I love how the Lord doesn’t erase our past; He redeems it. Isaiah 54:4 has always touched me deeply: “You will forget the shame of your youth and remember no more the reproach of your widowhood.” Sometimes I read that verse and feel like God is wiping tears off my face with His own gentle hands.

My “yesterday” held mistakes, insecurities, and so much confusion about who I was. I carried shame that wasn’t even mine to carry. And I carried guilt over things God had already forgiven long before I forgave myself.

But today I’m reminded that Jesus stands in my yesterday, rewriting every chapter with mercy. He turned my fear into confidence, my doubt into trust, and my shame into a testimony of His goodness. Remembering what He did for me isn’t painful anymore—it’s a reminder of His unchanging love. Every time I think about the spiritual darkness I once dabbled in, I feel nothing but gratitude. He delivered me completely, and the power of His name is still as mighty today as it was the day He broke those chains off my life.

TODAY
As I write this, I’m sitting by my small bedroom window, watching the sunset paint gold across the sky. Today had its challenges—little stresses at work, a few anxious thoughts about my future, and some personal prayers that still feel unanswered. But even in those uncertainties, I sense His presence.

Someone once said, “The day of miracles is not past, because the God of miracles is still present.” That feels so true today. Jesus is not a distant memory or a historical figure preserved in ancient text. He is alive. He is with me. He listens to my prayers even when I’m too tired to articulate them well.

And even though my circumstances shift like unpredictable winds, Jesus does not move. He is the same today as He was when He healed the sick, calmed storms, forgave sinners, and called His friends by name. When I whisper “Jesus” in the middle of my anxiety, something changes inside me—not because I suddenly control my life, but because I remember Who is in control.

Sometimes I wish I could see the miracles He’s doing behind the scenes. But I’m learning to trust that just because I don’t see instant changes doesn’t mean He isn’t working. He is faithful today. He is present today. He is powerful today.

TOMORROW (FOREVER)
Thinking about tomorrow used to scare me. Not knowing where I’ll be in five years… not being sure how my future will unfold… wanting so badly to make the right choices and not disappoint God or myself. But today, pondering Hebrews 13:8, I felt this unexpected peace settle in me. If Jesus is the same forever, then my future is not a frightening unknown—it’s a place He already stands in, smiling, guiding, preparing, protecting.

He already knows the chapters I haven’t lived yet. He has already planned blessings I can’t imagine. And He has already forgiven mistakes I haven’t even made yet. What an overwhelming kind of love.

And thinking of children one day—the idea that their future is also secure in Him—makes my heart swell. Even though I’m not a mother yet, the reassurance that Jesus holds their tomorrows is deeply comforting. When the world seems unstable, I can already imagine myself speaking this truth over my future children: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He will never leave you.” What a gift to pass down.

A Prayer from My Heart

Lord Jesus,
Thank You for being unchanging in a world that changes too quickly for my heart to keep up sometimes. Thank You for being the same Savior who rescued me years ago, the same presence that comforts me today, and the same God who already stands in my future with hope and purpose prepared for me. I praise You for Your name—so full of power, healing, and mercy. Thank You for redeeming my past, guiding me in the present, and securing my forever. When fear tries to control me, remind me of Your constancy. When doubt whispers, let Your truth speak louder. Jesus, I trust You with every yesterday, every today, and every tomorrow. Amen.

Closing Thoughts Tonight


As I end this post, I feel lighter than I did this morning. The world may still change at its dizzying pace, but I don’t feel left behind anymore. I feel held—gently, securely—by the One who has never changed and never will.

Maybe that’s what faith really is: not pretending that nothing changes, but remembering that He doesn’t.

And that is enough for me tonight.
Enough for today.
Enough for forever.

Thank You, Jesus.

The Gospel According to Hip-Hop: Rap Music is Unbiblical

Posted on by thechristiantechnerd

Dear Lord,

I come before You (God), not just heavy-hearted—but righteously burdened. My spirit is grieving. I feel like I’ve been exposed to a spiritual sewage system, and I’m still trying to wash it off. Today I finished something I wasn’t excited to do, but I knew I had to. For the sake of truth. For the sake of conviction. For the sake of clarity. I watched and listened to 20 of the most popular rap songs and music videos—from across regions, races, and genders. West Coast. East Coast. South. Canada. White rappers. Black rappers. Female rappers. Mainstream ones everyone worships. The ones you can’t escape on TikTok, YouTube, or even in stores. I consumed it all, and Lord…I feel sick.

Rap music is unbiblical. It’s not just problematic—it’s spiritually dangerous.

All 20 glorified drug use. 17 of 20 pushed alcohol like it’s a sacrament. Every single one glorified sexual promiscuity. Every single video objectified women—half-naked, posed like decorations. All 20 glorified violence. 14 of them mentioned strip clubs like they’re casual hangout spots. All of them idolized wealth and greed. 4 of the 20 bragged about having children with multiple women, like it’s a trophy.

God, what are we doing as a culture? What are we swallowing with these beats?

I kept thinking of 1 John 2:15-17 while watching:

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world.”

Every single one of those rap videos was a shrine to the desires of the flesh. A literal soundtrack for sin. A celebration of things that destroy souls and communities. And we’re bopping our heads to it?

God, forgive us.

I’m not some uptight religious prude. I’m 25. I grew up with this music in my ears and in my environment. But now I’m looking at it through Your eyes, through Scripture, through discernment—and I can’t pretend anymore.

I can’t clap to a beat that mocks Your holiness.

I can’t nod to lyrics that normalize violence, glorify fornication, and treat women as body parts.

I can’t pretend it’s “just entertainment” when it’s shaping how people live, how they love, how they parent, how they define success.

Let me say this too: This is not about race. This isn’t about white rappers or Black rappers. This is about spirit.

This is about what spirit is operating behind this music.

Because from what I listened to, it’s not the Holy Spirit.

It’s a spirit of perversion.
A spirit of rebellion.
A spirit of lust.
A spirit of greed.
A spirit of violence.
A spirit of mockery toward anything sacred.

Ephesians 5:11 says:

“Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.”

And that’s what I’m doing. Not out of self-righteousness. Not out of legalism. But out of obedience and love.

I’m calling this out because we’re pretending this stuff is neutral when it’s clearly anti-God. And I’m tired of being quiet.

God, how have we let this become our culture’s voice?

Why is music that glorifies:

  • Murder
  • Drug dealing
  • Strippers
  • Cheating
  • Porn-like visuals
  • Disrespect of women
  • Idolatry of money

…become what we call “art” and even worse—“inspiring”?

Isaiah 5:20 comes to mind:

“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness.”

That’s what’s happening.

We’re dressing up sin in catchy beats and slick production, and then wondering why our generation is depressed, addicted, broken, fatherless, and obsessed with sex and money.

And You know what’s worse, Lord? Some Christians are defending it.

There’s nothing redemptive about a song that tells young boys they’re real men if they sleep with 10 women and kill their enemies.
There’s nothing holy about a woman rapping about abortion like it’s a power move and calling herself a god.

Nothing about that reflects You, Jesus.

And if we’re honest, we know it.

Father, cleanse my mind.

I honestly feel like I need to fast after today.
I saw too much. Heard too much.
I felt it in my spirit. The grime. The pride. The lust.
It made me sad. It made me mad.
It made me want to throw my phone into a lake.

But I know hiding isn’t the answer. Speaking truth is.

Psalm 101:3 says:

“I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless. I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me.”

I don’t want this music clinging to me. I don’t want it clinging to my friends. I don’t want it in my house, in my car, or in my spirit.

Holy Spirit, speak to those who’ve been numbed by this culture.

Speak to the girl who thinks she has to twerk to get attention.
Speak to the boy who thinks he’s worthless unless he’s rich and feared.
Speak to the artist who once had a calling but sold out for fame.
Speak to the Christian who shrugs off this music because “everyone’s listening to it.”

Wake us up, Lord.

I’m praying bold prayers tonight.
Not weak ones. Not soft ones.

Because we’re in a war. And the enemy is using art, music, culture, and pride to lull us into destruction.

Prayer:

God, I pray You shut the mouths of artists who are poisoning minds for profit.
I pray You convict every heart that’s listening to sin with delight.
I pray You give spiritual ears to the deaf.
I pray You raise up a generation that doesn’t just love beats—but loves truth.
I pray You remind Your people that holiness still matters. That purity is still power. That our minds are temples, not trash cans.
I pray for mercy over the youth who are consuming this filth, not knowing it’s rotting their souls.
I pray for revival in the music world.
I pray for repentance in the churches that are silent.
And I pray for strength to keep speaking truth—even when it’s unpopular.

Final Thought:

This isn’t about being “anti-rap.”
This is about being pro-holiness.
It’s about being pro-Jesus.
And honestly, if that makes me seem “intense” or “religious” or “judgmental,” then so be it.

I’m not here to be liked.
I’m here to be faithful.

Lord, help me always choose conviction over comfort.
Even if I’m the only one not dancing to the beat of Babylon.

Amen.

Whispers of Mercy: A Christian Prayer of Forgiveness

Posted on by thechristiantechnerd

My heart has been stirring around lately by things I’ve kept buried deep — wounds I pretended didn’t matter, words I’ve long tried to forget, people I told myself I’d forgiven, yet my heart says otherwise.

I’ve realized something tonight: All Christians — not just me — have been hurt by others. Every single one of us has faced betrayal, heartbreak, disappointment. It’s part of this broken world we live in. But holding on to the pain doesn’t heal it. It cages it. And in turn, it cages me.

There’s someone… maybe more than one… who has caused anger and bitterness to rise in me more than I ever wanted to admit. I thought ignoring the feelings was the same as overcoming them. But that’s not true. The pain has just been hiding, simmering beneath my prayers and smiles.

Tonight, I’m ready to be honest.

Prayer #1: A Prayer to Release Bitterness

Heavenly Father,

I lay my heart bare before You. You know the hidden bitterness I’ve held onto — the anger I thought was justified. Lord, I’m tired. I don’t want to carry it anymore. I choose to forgive, even if my feelings aren’t there yet. Help my heart to follow the truth of Your Word, not the deceit of my emotions.

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger… Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:31-32
I want to live in that freedom. I want to forgive, as You forgave me. Please help me.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

There’s this idea I used to believe — that forgiving someone meant saying what they did was okay. But it’s not. It wasn’t. And God sees that. What they did broke something in me. But God also doesn’t ask me to pretend. He just asks me to trust Him. That’s what forgiveness is: trust.

I have judged people harshly in my heart, secretly wishing God would repay them for what they did to me. But tonight, Lord, I surrender those thoughts to You.

“Do not repay anyone evil for evil… Do not take revenge… but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” – Romans 12:17-19

Prayer #2: A Prayer of Surrender


Jesus,


I surrender every person who has wounded me into Your hands. I give up the desire to punish them with silence, with coldness, with bitterness.

That’s not who You’ve called me to be. Because You are my Lord, I free them from my judgment and my sinful reactions.


I give them back to You — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. You alone are the righteous Judge. Help me to see them as You see them, not through the lens of my pain.


I place them at Your throne of grace.


In Your mercy, Amen.

I once read that unforgiveness is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. That stuck with me. I see it now more clearly than ever — it’s not just about them, it’s about my heart being held captive.

And Jesus died to set my heart free.

So why do I still grip the chains so tightly?

Prayer #3: A Prayer to Let Go


Heavenly Father,


I’m loosening my grip. I’m placing all my expectations, my disappointments, and my unanswered questions at the foot of the cross. I don’t need answers anymore. I need You.
I release them. I give them entirely to You. I loose them and let them go.
I want to walk in freedom. Please fill every space in me that hurt tried to own. Fill it with Your Spirit. Fill it with love.


“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7
I cast this pain to You, Lord.
Amen.

It’s hard to admit that even after all You’ve forgiven me for, I still wrestle to forgive someone else. That I still put up walls and guard my heart in ways You never asked me to.

But Your Word says:
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” – Matthew 6:14-15

That hits deep. I can’t live in grace and deny it to others.

God, it humbles me. Who am I to hold someone’s sin against them when You have washed away my own?

Prayer #4: A Prayer for Humility and Grace


Lord Jesus,


You forgave me before I ever said sorry. You saw my mess, my rebellion, my brokenness — and You loved me still. Teach me to love like that.


Help me to forgive even if the apology never comes.
Help me to bless even when I feel cursed.


Help me to extend grace, the way You flood it over me every day.
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8


Let that be the standard of my love.


Amen.

I don’t want a heart hardened by past hurts. I want a soft heart — one that reflects Jesus. I want my healing to glorify Him. And maybe part of that healing is praying for the one who caused the pain.

It doesn’t make what happened right. But it makes me free.

And when I pray for them… something inside me softens. It’s like heaven breathes on a wound I thought would never stop bleeding.

Prayer #5: A Blessing Over Those Who Hurt Me


Father God,

I bless those who have hurt me. I choose to see them as You do — not through bitterness, but through Your mercy.

I pray they would know Your love, Your grace, and Your truth. I ask that You do a mighty work in their lives, and in mine.

I bless them to become all You’ve created them to be. Let Your kindness lead them to repentance, and let Your peace reign in their hearts.

And if it is Your will, bring reconciliation. But even if that never comes, I still choose love.
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” – Matthew 5:44

Give me a heart like Yours.


In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Tonight, I breathe a little easier. Not because everything is fixed. But because I’m starting to let go.

I see now that forgiveness is not a one-time choice. It’s a daily surrender. A daily cross. A daily decision to trust God more than my feelings.

And so, I will keep choosing it. Again and again.

I’ll keep placing those people — and my pain — at the throne of grace.

Because I want to be free.
Because I want to love like Jesus.
Because I belong to Him.

And if He can forgive me, then by His power, I can forgive too.

Scriptures to Meditate On Tonight:

  • “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” – Psalm 51:10
  • “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” – Matthew 5:7
  • “Bear with each other and forgive one another… Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” – Colossians 3:13

Jesus, thank You for whispering mercy to my soul tonight. Thank You for Your patience, Your love, and the cross.

Let my life echo Your forgiveness.

With all my heart,
CTN (Christian Tech Nerd)

Faith and Friendship: Christian Verses to Speak Life and Hope

Posted on by thechristiantechnerd

Lord, I felt You stirring my heart today to reflect on the kind of friend I am—and the kind of friend You’ve called me to be. In a world that often feels heavy and uncertain, I want to be someone who brings light and life to those You’ve placed in my path.

I opened my Bible this morning and found myself soaking in verses that speak truth and hope over relationships. Your Word is alive, and I felt You nudging me to share these promises—not just in texts or cards, but in how I live and love.

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17

This reminds me that true friendship is not about convenience. It’s about being present, especially when it’s hard. Help me be that kind of friend, Jesus.

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” — Ecclesiastes 4:9–10

I want to be someone who lifts others up, not just with words, but with prayer, presence, and patience.

“Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” — 1 John 3:18

God, let my love for my friends be more than sentiment. Let it be active and true.

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:11

When someone feels like giving up, let me be the voice that reminds them of their worth in You.

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” — Galatians 6:2

There is something holy in simply showing up. Help me carry the weight when someone can’t carry it alone.

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” — Proverbs 27:17

Lord, give me friendships that challenge me to grow, not just feel good. And help me do the same for others.

“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” — Romans 12:10

Forgive me when I make it about me. Humble me. Teach me to serve and honor those I care about.

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” — John 15:12

Your love was selfless and sacrificial. That’s the standard—not what’s easy.

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” — John 15:13

Jesus, You laid down Your life for me. Let me lay down my pride, my time, even my comfort if it means loving others well.

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you.” — Numbers 6:24–25

I want to speak these words over the people I love. May they feel Your favor on their lives.

Prayers for Friendship and Faith

  1. Lord Jesus, thank You for the gift of friendship. Help me be the kind of friend who reflects Your love, grace, and truth. Let every word I speak bring encouragement and life.
  2. Father God, remind me that my friends are not mine to fix, but Yours to carry. Teach me to intercede for them in prayer before I offer advice or opinions.
  3. Holy Spirit, guide my conversations. Let my words be gentle, timely, and soaked in Scripture. Use my life to point others back to You.
  4. Gracious God, when my friends are hurting, let me be a vessel of comfort. May I show up not with answers, but with presence and peace.
  5. Faithful Lord, knit my friendships together with trust, patience, and forgiveness. Help me love even when it’s not easy, and speak hope when others feel hopeless.

Lifting Up One Another: A Christian Call to Encourage in Times of Need

Life has a way of bringing seasons we never asked for—loss, illness, heartache, or just deep weariness that words can’t fix. And when those seasons come, one of the greatest gifts we can give each other is the gift of encouragement. As Christians, we’re not only called to love God but to love people—and that love must show up when it matters most.

The Bible reminds us again and again that we were never meant to walk through pain alone. “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). This isn’t just a suggestion—it’s a calling. When someone we love is hurting, our presence, prayers, and words can be the very lifeline God uses to sustain them.

I’ve been on both sides—lifting others up and being lifted myself. I remember a time when I faced a painful loss. No one could fix it, but a few dear friends showed up with simple kindness: meals, scripture texts, or just silence and a hand to hold. Those moments helped me breathe again. They reminded me that even in the valley, I wasn’t alone—and neither was God.

Encouragement doesn’t have to be fancy. Sometimes it’s as simple as a phone call or a handwritten note that says, “I see you. I’m praying. You’re not forgotten.” Or maybe it’s sharing a Scripture that has carried us through our own storms. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18) is one I’ve whispered over many aching souls, including my own.

We are the Body of Christ, and when one part suffers, we all feel it (1 Corinthians 12:26). That’s why comfort isn’t optional for us—it’s part of how we reflect the heart of Jesus. He didn’t run from sorrow; He stepped into it. He wept with the grieving. He noticed the hurting. And He called us to do the same.

Let us be women who show up. Let us be people who don’t just say “I’ll pray,” but actually do—right there, in the moment. Let’s be vessels of hope in a world that desperately needs it.

And when we don’t know what to say, that’s okay. Sometimes, being present is enough. Just our faithfulness in those hard moments can point someone to the faithfulness of God.

Friend, who in your life needs encouragement today? Ask the Holy Spirit to show you. Send that text. Write that card. Offer that prayer. Because when we lift others, we’re not only easing their burden—we’re reflecting the very love of Christ.

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” —1 Thessalonians 5:11

As I close this entry tonight, I’m reminded that You are the truest Friend, Jesus. You never leave, never tire, never fail. Thank You for loving me, so I can love others. Help me walk in this calling—with humility and with joy.

With a full heart,
—Christian Tech Nerd

What Does It Mean to Have Peace with God?

Posted on by thechristiantechnerd

Peace with God is, at its core, a spiritual reconciliation between family members. It’s a restored relationship between Heavenly Father and earthly child, made possible simply because Jesus wanted it so—enough that He was willing to suffer, die, and rise from death for it.

Peace with God in Scripture


God is not at war with you.

If you were raised in one of the “fire-and-brimstone” denominations (or just spend a lot of time listening to street preachers and reading Old Testament histories), that statement probably made you feel simultaneously irritated and worried.

Or maybe you felt a sense of relief?

Don’t worry, whatever you felt is OK, because the honest truth really is what the Apostle Paul declared millennia ago (emphasis mine):

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God” (Romans 5:1-2).

Yep, despite the happily-hellish preaching of some of our favorite Bible teachers, God’s not in a prolonged battle with you or me. So what does that mean?

Let’s find out.

Jesus Isn’t Punishing You
When my good friend Kent tells stories of growing up, I sometimes want to cringe. If the boy stubbed his toe or scraped his knee, a well-meaning grandmother was quick to pounce—and pronounce, “Jesus is punishing you!”

To her, it was simple: You sin. God smites you. For Kent, then, God was always antagonistic, always watching and frowning, constantly ready to unleash war against His misbehaving kids. It took decades—and seminary and a lifetime in church leadership—before Kent was finally able to believe for himself the truth he’d read, and preached:

“We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ …” (Romans 5:1)

“No circumstance is the result of [God’s] punishment,” pastor Chuck Swindoll comments on this passage. “Bad things do not happen because we have been bad. No event is an expression of God’s ill will against us. On the contrary, He has promised to use every circumstance … to guide His own to maturity.”

So if Jesus isn’t punishing you, then what’s really going on?

Meaning of Peace with God
It’s interesting to notice here that Paul didn’t say we have “peace of God” nor even “God’s peace in us”—though both those things are also true (see John 14:27, Philippians 4:7, and Colossians 3:15).

Instead Paul said we have peace with God.

That tiny word makes a big difference! Remember Paul originally wrote Romans 5:1-2 in Greek, using a word for “with” (prόs) that carries shades of meaning we’re not used to today. Prόs isn’t just “You-and-me-and-God standing near each other.”

Rather, in its ancient cultural context, this “with” was an active word “implying motion or direction.” That’s why a few trusted 19th-century Bible texts translated prόs differently, closer to its original meaning:

“We have peace toward God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Young’s Literal Translation, 1898).

“We have peace towards God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Darby Translation, 1890).

The ancient idea here is one of deliberate movement toward something. Place that within Paul’s context of Romans 5:1 and you see a picture of a man or woman moving forward, unhindered, toward a welcoming God. Peace with God.

How is this possible? Well, because (ahem), God’s not at war with you.

You see, when there’s hostility between you and God, it’s a one-way battle. We sin and make ourselves enemies of God, but because of Christ, God refuses to make himself our enemy in return (see Romans 5:8 and 8:1-2). You and I lash out in defiance and disobedience and selfishness and pride and hurtfulness. We miss the mark—and we misunderstand how our own sin blows up in our faces (see John 8:34, Romans 3:23, 6:23, and Ephesians 4:17-24).

Instinctively we feel the separation we’ve created between God and us, along with sin’s harmful fallout, so we blame God for our pain. Yet the reality is that the scars and heartaches we’re suffering are consequences of our own sinful outbursts, not God’s punishment (1).

Theologian William Newell reframes it this way, “Our peace with God is not as between two nations before at war; but as between a king and rebellious and guilty subjects.”

That image helps, I think, but maybe the better picture is this: You and I? We’re that obstinate child shouting “I hate you!” as we stomp off and slam the bedroom door. Meanwhile, our Heavenly Father refuses to retaliate, waiting instead for us to return again to His presence in peace. Why? Because:

“We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1)

Peace with God through Jesus
The way Paul describes it in Romans 5:1-2 (and 3-11), this kind of peace is, at its core, a spiritual reconciliation between family members. It’s a restored relationship between Heavenly Father and earthly child, made possible simply because Jesus wanted it so—enough that He was willing to suffer, die, and rise from death for it. And because Christ Himself has guaranteed our peace with God, we live with unfettered “access” (prosagōgē) to our Father—a word “used in the ancient world to refer to a person’s being conducted into the presence of royalty” (verse 2).

How cool is that?

Still, the absolute best description of peace with God is found in one insightful story told by Jesus long ago, captured for generations in Luke 15:11-32. It goes like this:

A brash, ungrateful young man hatefully insults his father, takes his dad’s money and sinfully squanders it in a foreign country. This situation ends badly for him, until one day he finally realizes his devastating circumstances are caused by his own sin. Then this thought enters his head,

“I will go home to my father” (Luke 15:18, NLT).

The son arrives home fearfully, expecting well-deserved hostility. Instead the father greets his bad boy with open arms and great joy. Why? Because it was the son who warred against the father, and never the father at war with his son.

This lesson of the Prodigal reveals the meaning and implications of Romans 5:1-2 most clearly to our myopic eyes. In a very real, spiritual and practical sense, having peace with God means simply this:

You can always go home.

Note:

Please be aware, I’m not talking about the discipline of God in this context. We know that God corrects his children (Hebrews 12:6), but here we’re speaking of the judgments and subsequent punishments for sin.