Romans 5:18-21

The Cosmic Christ

Grace and Peace in Christ

¹⁸ Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. [When one man fails in the accomplishment of God’s purposes—as all sinful people do—God raises up another to take his place: Joshua replaced Moses, David replaced Saul, Elisha replaced Elijah, Mathias replaced Judas. But who could replace Adam? Only the one who could undo the effects of Adam’s fall and become the firstfruits of a new humanity.] ¹⁹ For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous. [FF Bruce: The obedience of Christ accomplished more than Abraham’s could ever have done; by his passion and triumph he has won the right and power to beat back the hostile cosmic forces—to retrieve the cosmic situation—and ensure for his people participation in his victory.] ²⁰ Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, ²¹ so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. [Nothing sums up better the blessings of being in Christ than the reign of grace. The cross forgives sins by grace, bestowing on the sinner righteousness and eternal life by grace. Grace sanctifies the sinner into the image of Christ. What more could we ask from a Messiah?]

“Peace” in the Evangelical Dictionary of Theology: The primary and basic idea of the biblical word “peace” is completeness, soundness, wholeness. Friendship between companions is expressed by it, as well as friendship with God through a covenant. Contentment or anything working toward safety, welfare, and happiness is included in the concept of peace.

Peace has reference to health, prosperity, well-being, security, as well as quiet from war. Peace is a condition of freedom from strife, whether internal or external. Security from outward enemies, as well as calm of heart for those trusting God. Peace is so pleasing to the Lord that the godly are enjoined to seek it diligently. It is to be a characteristic of the New Testament believer. Peace is a comprehensive and valued gift from God, and the promised and climaxing blessing in messianic times.

The innumerable blessings of the Christian revolve around the concept of peace. The gospel is the gospel of peace. Christ is our peace. God the Father is the God of peace. The inalienable privilege of every Christian is the peace of God because of the legacy of peace left by Christ in his death. These blessings are not benefits laid up in eternal glory only but are a present possession. Thus, peace is a conception distinctly peculiar to Christianity, the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot, of whatever sort that is.