We have peace: In many manuscripts, the Greek verb states a fact. This form means “we have peace” and presents peace as something believers already possess. Other manuscripts use a different verb form that expresses an appeal or encouragement. In that case, the meaning would be “let us have peace.”
Peace with God does not mean only a feeling of calm. It describes a real situation. When people believe in Jesus Christ, hostility between God and sinful human beings comes to an end. This peace also includes the blessing and salvation God promised his people in the future (see Isaiah 9:6–7; 52:7; Ezekiel 34:25; Nahum 1:15).