Finding True Peace: Justification by Faith in Christ

Today, the focus is on the universal longing that exists in every human heart, regardless of nationality, background, or circumstance. Whether in Cuba, Korea, Myanmar, or right here in Greer, people share the same deep desires: to experience the goodness of life, to see their families thrive, and to find true peace. Yet, the reality is that something is fundamentally broken in all of us. The Bible’s diagnosis in Romans 3 is clear—none are righteous, all have sinned, and no one seeks God on their own. This is not just a problem for “other people” but for every single one of us.

The world often offers shallow solutions to this deep problem, but what’s wrong with us required more than comfort or affirmation—it required the cross. The good news is that God has provided a way for us to have what we truly want: peace with Him. Romans 5:1 declares, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” This peace is not something we can earn through good works, religious rituals, or even a lifetime of church membership. It is a gift, received by faith alone, just as Abraham was justified by faith, not by his own efforts.

The story of Martin Luther’s search for peace illustrates how futile it is to try to earn God’s favor. Despite all his religious devotion, he found no rest until he discovered the truth of justification by faith. This foundational truth sparked the Reformation and continues to be the bedrock of our hope today. No amount of good deeds, church attendance, or even ministry can substitute for the grace and mercy of God given through Jesus.

True peace with God transforms how we face life’s hardships. Even in the midst of sickness, loss, or uncertainty, those who are justified by faith can rest in the assurance that God is with them. This peace is not the absence of trouble, but the presence of Christ in the midst of it. The world is searching for this peace, often without realizing it. As G.K. Chesterton observed, every search for fulfillment is ultimately a search for God.

The invitation is simple but profound: Do you have peace with God? This peace is available to all who will trust in Christ alone. It changes everything—our perspective, our relationships, and our hope for the future.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The Universal Human Condition Every person, regardless of culture or background, shares the same spiritual need: reconciliation with God. The Bible’s assessment in Romans 3 is unflinching—none are righteous, and all have turned away. Recognizing this levels the ground for all of us and humbles us to seek the only true solution. [28:50]
• 2. The Inadequacy of Human Effort No amount of religious activity, moral striving, or good intentions can bridge the gap between us and God. Martin Luther’s journey shows that even the most zealous pursuit of righteousness through works leaves the soul restless. Only faith in Christ’s finished work brings the assurance and rest our hearts crave. [35:34]
• 3. Justification by Faith: The Only Foundation The foundation for peace with God is not our performance but being justified by faith. This means trusting wholly in what Jesus has done, not in what we can do. Any other foundation—be it tradition, morality, or religious heritage—is ultimately sinking sand. [36:56]
• 4. Peace with God Amid Life’s Storms True peace is not the absence of trouble but the presence of God in the midst of it. Life brings tribulation, pain, and uncertainty, but those justified by faith can experience a peace that surpasses understanding. This peace steadies us, even when everything else is shaking. [39:13]
• 5. The World’s Unconscious Search for God People everywhere are searching for meaning, fulfillment, and peace, often without realizing that their deepest longing is for God Himself. As Chesterton said, every misguided search is ultimately a search for God. Our calling is to point others to the only source of true peace—Jesus Christ.
  
  ** [46:56]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:45] - Personal and Church Connections
• [02:30] - The Heart of Missions
• [05:10] - Stories of Mission Work in Korea and Cuba
• [10:20] - What Do People Really Want?
• [13:00] - The Universal Human Condition (Romans 3)
• [16:30] - The Need for More Than a Hug: The Cross
• [18:40] - Shared Human Longings
• [21:00] - The Real Answer: Romans 5:1
• [23:10] - The Story of Martin Luther’s Search for Peace
• [27:00] - The Foundation: Justification by Faith
• [29:30] - Evangelism Explosion Questions
• [32:00] - The Blessing of Peace with God
• [35:00] - Real Life Troubles and Real Peace
• [38:00] - A Family Legacy of Peace
• [41:00] - Jesus’ Example of Seeking the Father
• [43:50] - Everyone Is Looking for God
• [45:30] - The Invitation to Peace with God
• [47:44] - Closing Prayer and Invitation

Bible Reading

Romans 3:10-12, 23 (ESV) — > as it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.” ... for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Romans 5:1 (ESV) — > Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Observation Questions

1. According to Romans 3:10-12, what does the Bible say about the spiritual condition of every person?
2. In Romans 5:1, what is the result of being “justified by faith”?
3. The sermon mentioned that people everywhere, no matter where they live, have the same deep desires. What are some of those desires mentioned? [30:46]
4. What did Martin Luther try in his search for peace with God, and what finally brought him rest? [35:34]

Interpretation Questions

1. Why does Paul emphasize that “none is righteous, no, not one” in Romans 3? How does this shape the way we see ourselves and others?
2. The sermon says, “What’s wrong with us required more than a hug. It required the cross.” What does this mean about the seriousness of our need? [30:46]
3. Why is it important that peace with God is described as a gift received by faith, not something we can earn? How does this challenge common ideas about religion or being a “good person”? [38:14]
4. The pastor shared that even in the middle of trouble, those justified by faith can have peace. How is this peace different from what the world offers? [39:13]

Application Questions

1. The sermon said that people everywhere are searching for meaning, fulfillment, and peace, even if they don’t realize it’s really a search for God. Where do you see this search happening around you—in your family, workplace, or community? How might you point someone to Jesus as the true source of peace? [46:56]
2. Have you ever tried to earn God’s favor through good works, church attendance, or religious activity? What was the result, and how does the message of justification by faith change your perspective? [35:34]
3. The pastor asked, “Do you have peace with God?” How would you honestly answer that question today? If you’re unsure, what steps could you take to settle it? [47:44]
4. When life gets hard—sickness, loss, uncertainty—what do you usually turn to for comfort? How could remembering your peace with God through Jesus change the way you respond to these situations? [39:13]
5. The story of Martin Luther shows that even religious people can miss the heart of the gospel. Are there any “foundations” in your life (tradition, morality, family background) that you might be trusting in instead of Christ alone? [36:56]
6. The sermon mentioned that Jesus, even after a busy day, got up early to pray and seek the Father. What would it look like for you to make time to seek God this week, even when life is busy? [45:29]
7. The pastor said, “When we know we have peace with you, it makes such a difference in our perspective on everything else.” Can you share a time when knowing you had peace with God changed how you faced a challenge? [47:44]