The Book of Romans:Peace Through the Cross

 The Book of Romans

Introduction:

Peace!

Everyone is looking for peace. However, peace is difficult to find. It appears to be elusive. 

Good morning my friends. My name is Stuart Davidson and I am the pastor here at Eastern Shore Baptist Church. Ive been the pastor here for the last 15 years. I am so thankful that you have joined us this morning for worship. We have a prayer line. If you text your prayer request to 251-222-8977 someone from our prayer team will not only pray for you but also respond back to you immediately. It doesn’t matter if you are a long time member or a first time, guest, that prayer line is open for you. 

Don’t forget, especially if you are visiting with us, to fill out the tear off of your bulletin this morning. We would just love to have a record of your attendance and we would love to have the chance to meet you. 

Again, thanks so much for visiting with us this morning. 

Growing up, Jim Carrey was one of my favorite actors and comedians. Just the other day, I found myself watching “The Truman Show”. A great movie, filmed not far from here in beautiful Seaside on 30A. 

Jim Carrey had it all. He was rich. At one point, the highest paid man in Hollywood, earning more than 20 million dollars a picture. It was not unusual for him to be seen with some of the most beautiful women in the world. At the height of his fame, he owned homes in Malibu, Maui, Los Angeles, and Canada. He sports a pretty impressive car collection as well. 

How about a 1995 Mercedes-Benz SL 600 or a 2024 Tesla Model S Plaid edition? He also has a 2012 Mercedes AMG SL 63. My personal favorite is his 2012 Porsche Panamera Turbo S First Generation. Naturally his favorite car, according to interviews is his 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. A classic if there ever was one. It is estimated that Jim Carrey’s car collection is worth upward of 3 million dollars.  

Some put Carrey’s net worth anywhere from 300 million to 180 millions dollars. That is a pretty serious chunk of change. 

Beloved by millions. Rich beyond imagination. Power. Fame. Wealth. Miles and miles of talent. Jim Carrey possesses a true gift for acting and making people laugh. 

How many of you grew up watching Jim Carrey on “In Living Color”?

Fire Marshall Bill

Vera De Milo

Stanley the Mechanic 

The Karate Instructor

What about all of his impersonations? Probably the best Jack Nicholson impersonation that I have ever seen. I tell you what, if you want to just waste hours of time, head to YouTube and do a search for “Jim Carrey In Living Color”. You can thank me later. 

So, Jim Carrey is happy. He is fulfilled. His cup “runneth” over. 

Except Jim Carrey wasn’t happy. He wasn’t fulfilled. His cup was empty. 

Carrey is quoted saying “that you can still be unhappy is a shock when you have accomplished everything you’ve ever dreamt of”.

He is also quoted saying “I think everybody should get rich and famous and do everything they ever dreamed of so they can see that’s it’s not the answer”. 

Jim Carrey, incredibly successful, at least in the world’s eyes. Still, he lacked one thing. He was missing one crucial piece of the puzzle. Have you ever worked on a puzzle, maybe several thousands of pieces? You get that puzzle almost finished, but you lack one piece. You can’t find it anywhere. You have 99.999% finished but that one missing piece ruins the entire endeavor. You look and look, but it is vanished. When you lack that one piece, it drives you crazy. 

You see friends, Jim Carrey was missing that crucial finishing piece of the puzzle. He was missing peace.

His wealth couldn’t grant him rest for his soul…

His relationships couldn’t give him security that lasts…

His cars couldn’t carry him to a place of true contentment…

All the fame and all the adoration of his fans couldn’t fill the emptiness inside…

Because real peace, that soul-satisfying, that heart-steadying peace…can’t be bought, borrowed, or earned. It only comes through the cross of Jesus Christ.

Jim Carrey, just like you and me, was looking for peace. Peace that money can’t buy. Peace that can’t be begged, borrowed, or stolen. A peace that only arrives through faith in Jesus Christ. A faith grounded in His defeat of death through the cross. 

In fact friends, that is today’s message. Peace through the cross. 

Today’s Message:

“Peace Through the Cross”

Church, you have known this about your pastor for a long time. You know of our love for baseball. We have a saying in our family, doubtful that we created it, but the saying goes something like this…stats don’t lie. 

Statistics tell the story. Stats are always truthful. Statistics always get to the heart of the matter. If you think you are a good hitter, but you are only batting .175, the statistics tell the truth. If you think you are a good pitcher but you are sporting a 9.55 ERA, the statistics tell the truth. 

I was looking a a PEW Research survey recently. In 2025, 60% of the adults that were surveyed said that they do not experience peace during the week. You might think that Christians would have better numbers and we do. Still, even among believers, 40% of those polled say that they don’t have any peace during their week. 

A follow up poll by Gallup reported that one third of people globally, that’s nearly 2 billion people, say that their lives are out of balance and are lacking inner peace. 

The latest 2024 Global Peace Index shows a global downturn in peace over the past 16 years—about 6% deterioration—with more countries experiencing conflict, unrest, and insecurity. 

Hard data shows that 17–22% of people globally rarely or never experience internal peace.

Friends, what this tells me, is that in this very room, are men, women, and children who are professing Christians that are somehow absent of peace, missing assurance, or looking for contentment. 

If that’s you this morning, or if you know someone who is looking for peace, I want to give you some good news. 

Jesus tells us in John 14:27 that He desires to give us peace. “Peace I leave with you, not as the world gives, do I give it to you”.

This morning we are going to be reading from Romans 5, verses one through eleven. What we are going to discover is that peace, ultimate peace, peace that is not based on our situation, our circumstances, or what’s in our bank account…is found in Christ. Peace is had by being a member of God’s family. 

Do me a favor this morning. Under “Today’s Thought”, fill in blanks…

We were once alienated from God, ashamed and accused. Because of the cross, we are now adopted. 

Today’s Thought:

We Were Once Alienated From God, Ashamed And Accused! Because of The Cross, We Are Now Adopted!

What an amazing truth this is for all of us this morning. 

Adoption. 

My family knows a thing or two about adoption. My youngest son Jett, adopted from China 11 years ago. Jett’s adoption opened my eyes in a very real way about my own spiritual adoption into God’s family. His adoption showed me the depth of the darkness that I was living in before Christ. Him coming into our home showed me just how homeless I was before Jesus called my name.

I remember holding Jett for the first time. He didn’t earn our love—he simply received it. He didn’t fill out a form, pass a test, or prove his worth. We pursued him. We chose him. And we brought him home. That’s exactly what God did for me. He didn’t wait for me to clean myself up or climb my way to Him—He came for me. He adopted me. He gave me His name, His presence, His promises, and a place in His family.

Adoption isn’t based on feelings, it’s based on a Father’s choice. And once you know you’re chosen… everything changes.

One of my favorite pastors and theologians is the late great R.C. Sproul. You like R.C. Sproul as well but you probably didn’t know it. If you have been a member of this church for the last 15 years, you have heard a lot from him as his theology and doctrine have informed a great bit of mine. Check out this quote from Dr. Sproul from an interview from Tabletalk Magazine. 

Today’s Quote

“Nobody is born into this world a child of the family of God. We are born as children of wrath. The only way we enter into the family of God is by adoption, and that adoption occurs when we are united to God’s only begotten Son by faith… When by faith we are united with Christ, we are then adopted into that family of whom Christ is the firstborn.

R. C. Sproul – The New Birth, Tabletalk (March 2007)

Do me another favor this morning. Write down this simple comment, maybe in the margin of this outline. 

Adoption into God’s family is the way to discover true, lasting, eternal peace. 

So, we are reading this morning from Paul’s letter to the Romans. Go to Romans 5, verses one through eleven. 

Background and Context:

I love Romans 5:1–11 because it reminds us that the Gospel isn’t just good news for the future, it’s good news for right now. Paul is writing to believers who already know they’ve been justified by faith. These folks are saved. They get it. Still, he decides to go a bit further. He wants them (and us) to feel the weight and the wonder of what that salvation actually means.

This is a passage about peace. It’s about access, and grace. It’s about hope, love, reconciliation, and security. Here is the important part of Romans 5:1-11, none of it depends on our performance. It’s all because of Jesus. If you’ve ever doubted God’s love… or wondered if you were still welcome at His table… Romans 5:1–11 is a place to rest your heart.

Statement of Belief:

“We believe the Bible is God’s inspired Word—completely true, trustworthy, and full of power. It teaches us what’s right, calls out what’s wrong, corrects our path, and helps us grow in godly living. God’s Word brings life, offers peace in hard times, and gives strength when we’re struggling. It’s alive and speaks straight to our hearts. There’s no book like it—so let’s stand together in honor of it.”

Today’s Scripture:

Romans 5:1-11 NLT

Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. [2] Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God's glory. [3] We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. [4] And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. [5] And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. [6] When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. [7] Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. [8] But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. [9] And since we have been made right in God's sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God's condemnation. [10] For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. [11] So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.

Pastor: This is the Word of the Lord

Congregation: Praise His name, praise His holy name. 

Looking For Peace? Paul Provides The Path!

I. Peace Is Accessed Through Atonement vs. 1

Well folks, if you are looking for peace, I have good news for you. Paul provides us the path to peace in Romans 5. 

First off, fill in the blanks under Roman numeral 1. The path to peace is accessed through atonement. 

We see this in verse 1. 

“Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.”

Know this…

“Peace with God begins the moment we are justified by faith in Jesus. His atonement gives us access to reconciliation.”

Let’s talk for just a second about some definitions. We see that peace comes from justification, atonement and reconciliation. Now for those of us who have spent out entire lives in church, we may know what those words mean. However, there may be a few of you in here that may not have a long history in church and you may not have a real understanding of how those words relate to peace in Christ. So, let’s talk about them real fast. 

Let me take you to Baptist seminary this morning. 

First off…justification.

To be justified means to be declared “not guilty” in God’s courtroom. It’s a legal term. You and I were on trial…guilty of sin, guilty of rebellion, guilty of spiritual treason. But through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, we were declared righteous…not because we earned it, but because Jesus paid our penalty. I love the way one pastor put it: “Justification is ‘just-as-if-I’d’ never sinned.” That’s peace with God right there. You’re no longer condemned. You’re covered.

Now, atonement.

This is one of the most beautiful words in the Christian faith. Atonement means “at-one-ment.” It’s the work Jesus did on the cross to bring us back into right relationship with God. It’s the bridge. It’s Jesus standing in the gap…covering our sins with His blood so that we can walk in grace instead of guilt. The Old Testament gives us images of sacrifices, blood on the altar, and the Day of Atonement. But all of those were shadows pointing to the cross…where Jesus became the once-and-for-all atonement for our sins. Through Him, we are made one with God.

Lastly, reconciliation.

This is a relational word. To be reconciled means to be restored to friendship and fellowship. It’s when two parties who were at odds are brought back together. And y’all…let’s be honest…we weren’t just ignoring God; we were enemies of God (Romans 5:10). But the cross changed everything. Jesus took the hostility, the separation, and the shame and nailed it to the tree. Now, instead of running from God, we can run to Him. He’s not just our Judge anymore…He’s our Father. Our Friend. Our Peace.

Now how does all this tie into our search for peace? Let’s go to Ephesians 2:13–14 (NLT):

“But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ. For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us.”

Did you catch that? “Christ Himself has brought peace to us.” Peace isn’t just a feeling, it’s a person. Jesus is our peace. He didn’t just send us a peace emoji or a positive vibe. He broke down the wall. He removed the barrier. He restored what was broken. That means even on your worst day, even when your heart is anxious or your life feels like a mess…you can still have peace. Not because life is perfect, but because Jesus is present.

I don’t know if you’ve ever seen one of those red carpet celebrity interviews where everything looks flawless…the designer dress, the makeup team, the hair stylist, even the walk from the limo looks choreographed. But what the cameras don’t show is the stress behind the scenes: the fashion mishaps, the spilled coffee, the human mess under the glam. 

Just the other day I was reading about Disney’s most recent princess movie “Snow White”. Of course you remember the original animated film that came out in 1937. Disney remade the movie into a live action film that was released this year. Leading up the film, the leading actress Rachel Zegler, had a series of mishaps, bad interviews, and she became extremely outspoken in her political views. Her negative press apparently tanked the film. However, you’d never know it according to her social media. Every post ended in a smile. Every picture was perfect. Every Tic Tok gave off the impression that she was living the “red carpet” life where everything was perfect. Perfectly choreographed.

Sadly, and I take no joy in this, it was just released that Ziegler was admitted to a psychiatric facility to help with crippling anxiety. She was seeking aid for her mental health. All the negative reviews and all the criticism was weighing on her more than she let on.

Apparently things were not as good, not as rosy, not happy and not as fulfilling as her Instagram and TikTok posts insinuated. 

A lot of people treat their lives like a red carpet…trying to show the world they’ve got it all together. They try to live just like Rachel Zegler. I have been there. I have done the very same thing and chances are, so have you. We are all guilty of wearing a mask, living a lie, trying to show the world that we don’t need any help, that we have it all together, that we have all the answers. But inside, if we are being honest, we are all desperate for peace.

Jesus doesn’t need the red carpet. He walks straight into our chaos. He doesn’t look for perfection…He brings peace into our imperfection.

So let me ask you a question this morning:

Are you at peace with God…or are you still trying to make peace on your own terms?

Here’s the good news: You don’t have to clean yourself up to come to Christ. He already came to you. And if you’ve been justified by faith, then you have peace with God…because of what Jesus has done.

Looking For Peace? Paul Provides The Path!

I. Peace Is Accessed Through Atonement vs. 1

II. Peace Is Anchored Through Adversity vs. 3-5

So, peace is accessed through atonement. Next, verses 3 through 5 is anchored in adversity. 

[3] We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. [4] And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 

Friends, remember that…

“True peace isn’t the absence of hardship, but the presence of Christ-centered hope anchored in God’s love even in adversity.”

Friday night I got the phone call that I hoped wouldn’t come. David Daw called me about 10:30 and told me that he beloved wife Linda had passed away. She had been battling cancer for several years. Friday night, she was escorted into eternity. 

David and I talked for well over an hour that night. One of the things that David told me was that he was not sad. He was not sorrowful. Naturally he would miss Linda and her absence was something that he would have to embrace. Still, David found himself rejoicing. He found himself happy for Linda’s life. She had been suffering, hurting badly, and now that pain was all over. David firmly believed because of the promises laid out in Scripture, that Linda…being absent from her body…was present with the Lord. She was not a member of the “great cloud of witnesses” in Hebrews 12. He took tremendous comfort in knowing that he would see his wife again. 

All because of Jesus.

When I got off the phone with David I felt inspired. You see friends I have seen similar situations happen to people of faith. I have seen professing Christians melt under the weight of sadness and disappointment. I have seen followers of Christ grow angry at God, resentful, even turning their back on God. I have known other believers to “deconstruct” their faith when circumstances didn’t go the way they prayed for them to go. 

Not David. David knows and instinctually knew that God uses disappointment and suffering to strengthen our faith. 

Not David. David knows and instinctually knew that God uses disappointment and suffering to strengthen our faith.

2 Corinthians 4:16–18 (NASB) says:

“Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer person is decaying, yet our inner person is being renewed day by day. For our momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

Isn’t that powerful? Paul is saying that the afflictions we face…though real and painful, are light in comparison to what’s coming. That’s not to minimize your pain. It’s to magnify the glory. Paul doesn’t say ignore your suffering; he says don’t anchor your hope in it. Because the peace we’re promised isn’t rooted in what’s seen, it’s rooted in what’s unseen. It’s not in the outcome, it’s in the Overcomer.

That’s the kind of peace that adversity can’t shake. In fact, it’s the kind of peace that adversity proves.

Let me give you a biblical illustration.

In Acts 16, Paul and Silas find themselves not at a revival, not at a missions banquet, not being honored by the church. No, they’re in a prison. Not a modern-day facility with cable TV and library time. This was a dark, dirty, inner dungeon in Philippi. Their backs had been beaten raw. Their feet were shackled. Their future? Completely uncertain. And yet—what are they doing?

They’re singing.

Worshiping.

Praising.

Midnight hits, and these two men, bloody and bound, start belting out hymns. Why? Because their peace wasn’t dependent on chains coming off. Their peace came from Christ showing up. That’s why even when the prison did start to shake and the doors flew open, they didn’t run. They stayed. 

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Why? 

Because they already had freedom. They already had peace. They already had Jesus.

I wonder what would happen if we lived like that.

I wonder what it would look like if, when the diagnosis came or the job was lost or the relationship fell apart, we didn’t melt, but we anchored our hope in Him. What if, instead of asking “Why me?” we started asking, “God, what are you doing in me?”

Because trials are the gym where your peace muscles are built.

Suffering is the classroom where endurance is taught. 

Pain is the forge where character is formed. 

And hope? 

Hope is the fruit that grows on the tree of adversity watered by faith.

And that’s exactly what Paul is teaching us in Romans 5:3–5. He’s not saying suffering is fun—he’s saying suffering is formative. It produces something: endurance. And that endurance? It shapes character. And character? It fuels our hope.

And hope, Paul says, does not disappoint.

Why?

Verse 5 answers it:

“For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.”

You see, peace isn’t just something God sends down like Amazon