Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The word "access" (προσαγωγήν) here isn't just about getting to God, but the introduction we receive into His very presence, like being welcomed into a king's court. This isn't just a one-time event at conversion; it's the ongoing reality of our standing in God's favor—a grace we now inhabit and can boldly approach Him from.
Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Having established that believers are justified by faith and have peace with God through Christ, Paul now explains the results of this new standing. This verse reveals that through Christ, believers are ushered into God’s favor and have a secure place in His grace, enabling them to rejoice in the future hope of sharing in God's glory.
Before Jesus, approaching God was a privilege reserved for a select few. But His work changes everything, granting us direct entry.
Paul uses the word for 'access' (prosagōgē) to describe how we come before God. It's not just a path; it's an introduction—like being personally escorted into the presence of a King. Because of Jesus, this isn't a privilege for the elite or only for priests; it's for us. Through His sacrifice, the way is permanently opened.
This access isn't just a one-time event. It's the foundation for our ongoing relationship with God, enabling us to approach Him anytime, anywhere, with boldness and confidence.
We 'stand' in grace, not because we're perfect, but because God's favor is unshakable. What does this 'standing' truly mean for us?
The word 'stand' here speaks of a secure and stable position. It contrasts with the idea of falling or being condemned. When we are 'justified by faith' (Romans 5:1), we are declared righteous, and this declaration places us in a state of 'grace'—God's unmerited favor. This isn't a wobbly, temporary status; it's a firm footing.
It means our acceptance with God is not based on our fluctuating feelings or our performance, but on Christ's finished work. We 'stand' because He upholds us. This truth gives us security, even when life feels uncertain.
The world boasts in achievements and possessions. Christians, however, have a unique source of 'boasting' rooted in what's to come.
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The word translated 'rejoice' here is the same word often translated as 'boast' or 'glory'. But Paul clarifies what we boast in: 'hope of the glory of God.' This isn't about bragging about our own goodness or spiritual status. It's about a deep, confident joy found in the future promise of sharing in God's own glory.
This hope isn't wishful thinking; it's a certainty grounded in God's faithfulness. It transforms our present, allowing us to face trials with patience and to find genuine joy, knowing our ultimate destiny is to be with God and reflect His glory.
Understand the original words
prosagōgē · Greek Noun
The privilege of being introduced into God's presence; the status of having direct, unhindered intimacy with God made possible by Christ.
charis · Greek Noun
God’s unmerited favor; the active demonstration of God’s kindness that provides salvation, sustains the believer, and empowers godly living.
doxa · Greek Noun
The radiant manifestation of God's presence and character; the ultimate future realization of God’s majesty that believers will share in eternally.
elpis · Greek Noun
The confident, sure expectation of future blessings based on the promises and character of God, rather than a mere wish.
This passage echoes the idea of 'access' by highlighting that through Christ, we both have access in one Spirit to the Father, reinforcing the idea of a direct connection to God.
Hebrews 10:19-22It describes believers having boldness to enter the holy places through the blood of Jesus, which parallels the 'access' and 'standing in grace' mentioned in Romans 5:2.
1 Peter 3:18This verse speaks of Christ dying for sins to bring us to God, which aligns with the concept of Christ facilitating our introduction or 'access' into God's presence.
John 17:24Jesus prays that His followers would be with Him where He is, and see His glory, connecting to the 'hope of the glory of God' and our future participation in it.
Philippians 3:20-21This passage speaks of our citizenship in heaven from which we await a Savior who will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body, mirroring the 'hope of the glory of God' as a future transformation.
henryRomans 5:1-5: "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:"
5:1-5 A blessed change takes place in the sinner's state, when he becomes a true believer, whatever he has been. Being justified by faith he has peace with God. The holy, righteous God, cannot be at peace with a sinner, while under the guilt of sin. Justification takes away the guilt, and so makes way for peace. This is through our Lord Jesus Christ; through him as the great Peace-maker, th…
cambridgeRomans 5:2: "By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God."
2 . by whom ] Lit. through whom ; the same construction as that just before. also ] i.e. “we owe to Him our entrance to grace, as well as our standing in it.” we have access ] Lit. we have had ; “we have found.” The time-reference is to a past reception resulting in present possession.—“ Access: ”—lit. the introduction ; “our introduction.” Same word as Ephesians 2:18 ;…
The word "access" (προσαγωγήν) here isn't just about getting to God, but the introduction we receive into His very presence, like being welcomed into a king's court. This isn't just a one-time event at conversion; it's the ongoing reality of our standing in God's favor—a grace we now inhabit and can boldly approach Him from.
Having established that believers are justified by faith and have peace with God through Christ, Paul now explains the results of this new standing. This verse reveals that through Christ, believers are ushered into God’s favor and have a secure place in His grace, enabling them to rejoice in the future hope of sharing in God's glory.
Having established that believers are justified by faith and have peace with God through Christ, Paul now explains the results of this new standing. This verse reveals that through Christ, believers are ushered into God’s favor and have a secure place in His grace, enabling them to rejoice in the future hope of sharing in God's glory.
"Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God." — The word "access" (προσαγωγήν) here isn't just about getting to God, but the introduction we receive into His very presence, like being welcomed into a king's court. This isn't just a one-time ev…
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Last reviewed October 2026