Peace is not merely a state of inner calm; it represents a Hebrew concept that refers to the wholeness that comes through being reconciled to God and at peace with him. Such peace is one of the primary fruits of Christ’s work. Romans 5:1–2 illustrates that the result of our justification (being declared righteous by God) is that we have peace with God, and because we have peace with God we have gained access…into this grace in which we now stand.
We can imagine here a picture of God on the throne, with the door of the throne-room permanently open to those who have been justified and have peace with God. They have permanent access into his presence and can come and go freely because they stand in grace. In other words, access into God’s presence is never based on what we have done or how much we deserve his kindness; it is always based on grace, God’s favour that we do not deserve.
1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy,To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace.