Romans 1:7: To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
They were “called saints” and this is the name for every believer. A saint is not one who has been exalted; a saint is one who exalts Jesus Christ. A person becomes a saint when Jesus Christ becomes his Savior. There are only two classes of people in the world: the saints and the ain’ts. It is not your character that makes you a saint, it’s your faith in Jesus Christ and the fact that you are set apart for Him. 1
The word peace, which is so often linked with “grace” in greetings, is used in the broad sense of the Hebrew word shalom, which means “well-being,” “prosperity,” and “every kind of good.” Grace and peace therefore include everything that we can desire or need, the favor of God, and all the blessings that favor secures. 2
Application
- Meditate on this often: “I am a saint who is beloved by God.”
- Problem solved: if you are lacking peace, you need more grace in your life.
Prayer
Lord, help me to praise You more for all the love and grace You always give me.
1. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: The Epistles (Romans 1-8) (electronic ed., Vol. 42). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
2. Hodge, C. (1993). Romans. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.