Romans 5:1

Being therefore justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ;

'Being therefore' -'Having set out God's way of justifying sinners, and established it on the basis of O.T. precedent, Paul now enumerates the blessings which accrue to those whose faith has been counted to them for righteousness.' [Note: F.F. Bruce p. 119]

'Justified' -1344. dikaioo dik-ah-yo'-o; from 1342; to render (i.e. show or regard as) just or innocent: -free, justify(-ier), be righteous.

We should note that in the book of Romans, 'to be justified', 'accounted righteous' (Romans 4:3), and 'forgiven' (Romans 4:6-7), all refer to the same condition. So whatever it takes to be forgiven, is exactly the same thing it takes to be 'justified'. Therefore, the 'faith' of Romans 5:1 includes such things as repentance and baptism. (Acts 2:38)

'We have' -there is much discussion among biblical scholars and translators concerning whether this phrase should be translated 'We have', or 'Let us have'. If the meaning is "let us have", then Paul is saying, 'let us enjoy peace with God' or 'let us retain peace with God'. This would infer that being justified by faith brings upon one the obligation to live in such. manner as to maintain such. relationship of peace.

'Peace with God' -'It indicates pardon and acceptance and is contrasted with enmity and wrath. It signifies the position of those who once were under condemnation (Romans 5:9-10) but now are enjoying the full measure of divine forgiveness and favor.' [Note: Erdman pp. 68-69]

'Not contentment, satisfaction, quiet; but the state of reconciliation as opposed to enmity (Romans 5:10)' [Note: Vincent p. 57]

'through our Lord Jesus Christ' -He is the mediator that brought about this condition of 'peace'. (Ephesians 2:11; Colossians 1:20)

Again, simply one more passage that declares the truth that apart from Christ there is no peace with God.. 'Christ-less' religion is. vain religion.