Romans 5:2
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)
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The verse highlights that our standing in God's favor isn't just a one-time event, but a continuous position ("wherein we stand") that allows for genuine rejoicing in the present, rooted in the confident hope of future glory. This isn't just passive waiting; it's an active, bold confidence ("rejoice") made possible by Christ's perfect work.
Paul has just established that believers are justified by faith and have peace with God through Jesus Christ. This verse explains how that peace is experienced and what it leads to: a confident access into God's favor, a secure standing in His grace, and a joyful anticipation of future glory.
Have you ever felt like you needed a special invitation to approach someone important? For believers, Jesus has already paved the way.
The verse says, 'Through him we have also obtained access by faith.' This isn't just a casual drop-in; 'access' (or 'introduction' in the original language) speaks of being brought into the very presence of God, like being welcomed into a king's court.
This access is exclusively 'through him' – through Jesus Christ. Our sin once barred us completely, but His sacrifice removed the barrier. It's 'by faith' that we receive and realize this incredible privilege. Our standing before God isn't based on our performance, but on His finished work, received through faith.
Imagine standing on solid ground after being adrift. The grace we receive isn't just a fleeting moment; it's a secure foundation.
The text continues, 'into this grace wherein we stand.' This 'grace' is God's unmerited favor, the state of being accepted and loved by Him because of Christ.
The word for 'stand' suggests a firm footing, a stable position. It contrasts with being lost or condemned. Because we are justified by faith in Jesus, we have a secure place in God's kingdom. This isn't a position we earn or maintain through our own efforts, but one that is upheld by God's power. It speaks of acceptance and safety, a permanent reality for believers.
Even amidst challenges, believers have a reason to 'boast' – not in themselves, but in a future they can count on.
The verse concludes, 'and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.' The word 'rejoice' here can also mean 'boast' or 'glory.' This isn't a proud, arrogant boasting in our own accomplishments. Instead, it's a deep, joyful confidence and exultation.
This rejoicing is 'in hope of the glory of God.' This refers to the future, eternal state of being with God, reflecting His glory, and sharing in His majesty. It's a hope that isn't wishful thinking, but a sure expectation because of who God is and what He has promised. This hope gives us joy even now, coloring our present experience with anticipation of what's to come.
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 stating that through Christ, we both have access in one Spirit to the Father, highlighting Jesus as the means of approaching God.
Hebrews 10:19-20This passage speaks to a 'new and living way' opened by Christ's sacrifice, which parallels the concept of 'access' into God's presence that was previously barred.
John 17:24Jesus prays that believers might be with him where he is, to see his glory, which directly connects to the hope of 'the glory of God' mentioned in Romans 5:2 as the ultimate future for believers.
1 Peter 3:18This verse mentions Christ dying for sins to 'bring us to God,' which is a powerful parallel to the concept of access that Paul describes in Romans 5:2.
Romans 8:18This passage speaks of future glory that is to be revealed in us, directly supporting and expanding on the 'hope of the glory of God' that believers rejoice in.
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 verse highlights that our standing in God's favor isn't just a one-time event, but a continuous position ("wherein we stand") that allows for genuine rejoicing in the present, rooted in the confident hope of future glory. This isn't just passive waiting; it's an active, bold confidence ("rejoice") made possible by Christ's perfect work.
Paul has just established that believers are justified by faith and have peace with God through Jesus Christ. This verse explains how that peace is experienced and what it leads to: a confident access into God's favor, a secure standing in His grace, and a joyful anticipation of future glory.
Paul has just established that believers are justified by faith and have peace with God through Jesus Christ. This verse explains how that peace is experienced and what it leads to: a confident access into God's favor, a secure standing in His grace, and a joyful anticipation of future glory.
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"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 verse highlights that our standing in God's favor isn't just a one-time event, but a continuous position ("wherein we stand") that allows for genuine rejoicing in the present, rooted in the confi…
