When the apostle Paul wrote his epistle to the Romans, he used five words which the wisest of the heathen could never have used. Socrates and Plato and Aristotle and Cicero and Seneca were wise people. On many subjects they saw more clearly than most people in the present day. They were people of mighty minds and of a vast range of intellect. But nor one of them could have said as the apostle did, "I have peace with God" (Rom. 5:1).
When Paul used these words, he spoke not for himself only, but for all true Christians. Some of them no doubt have a greater sense of this privilege than others. All of them find an evil principle within, warring against their spiritual welfare day by day. All of them find their adversary, the devil, waging an endless battle with their souls. All of them find that they must endure the enmity of the world. But all, notwithstanding, to a greater or less extent "have peace with God. This peace with God is a calm, intelligent sense of friendship with the Lord of heaven and earth.
He who has it feels as if there was no barrier and separation between himself and his holy maker. He can think of himself as under the eye of an all-seeing being and yet not feel afraid. He can believe that this all-seeing being beholds him and yet is not displeased.
If you don't have this peace with God, you are truly poor. You have nothing that will last, nothing that will wear, nothing that you can carry with you when your turn comes to die. Naked you came into this world, and naked in every sense you will go forth. Your body may be carried to the grave with pomp and ceremony. A solemn service may be read over your coffin. A marble monument may be put up in your honor. But atter al it will be but a pauper's funeral if you die without peace with God.
Adapted from Our Great Redeemer: 365 Days with J. C. Ryle
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