Romans 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. Peace is only the first link of a golden chain which binds us to the throne of God. It is the first gem out of heaven's cabinet, the first fruit of the tree of life, the first taste of the water of life. Peace comes to the forgiven sinner like a radiant angel from the skies; but she brings along with her a happy troop of young sisters, every one of whom is his constant companion from the wicket-gate to the crystal battlements. Note — I. THE BELIEVER'S PERMANENT STATE OF GRACE. 1. The privilege of being specially loved of God. This love is that of a father to his children (John 1:12; Galatians 4:4, 5; James 1:18; Jeremiah 31:3). The end at which God aims in His treatment of His children is to bring them to glory (Hebrews 2:10). But first they have to be fitted for it (Colossians 1:12). And therefore it is God's present business to purify them and make them perfect in holiness and love. Whom He justifies, them He also sanctifies. Into this grace we are introduced by faith. And it is by faith we stand in it. 2. The constant privilege of prayer. Those who are justified have at all times freedom of access to the throne of grace. They are encouraged to come to it boldly (Hebrews 4:16; Philippians 4:6); if rebuked at all, it is because they do not pray enough, or because they do not expect sufficiently large returns (John 4:24). Prayer opens the armoury of God; it is the key which unlocks the promises and makes them ours. It makes the weak worm, Jacob, omnipotent. By it we link our little skiff to the great ark of Jehovah's purposes and promises, and thus are we borne triumphantly across life's billowy sea to the heavenly Ararat of rest. It is by Christ that we have such access into this grace wherein we stand (Ephesians 2:18; Ephesians 3:12). 3. The privilege of being God's instruments in fulfilling His great purposes in the world. We are the Church of the living God, endowed with a queenly authority and power. The Church is the Lamb's bride. It is the heritage, the house, and the city of God. It is the pillar of the truth. It is the open mirror of Jehovah's most glorious attributes (Ephesians 3:10). And yet it is into this grace that we obtain access through our Lord Jesus Christ, when we are justified by faith. II. THE BELIEVER'S JOYFUL HOPE CONCERNING THE FUTURE. 1. Its object. (1) Glory is a word which primarily denotes clearness and brightness. Hence, we speak of the glory of the sun, moon, and stars, while "one star differeth from another star in glory." Here we read of the "Glory of God." On earth this glory is dimmed and obscured; in hell it is never beheld; while heaven is a realm of perfect light, and in this God dwells (1 Timothy 6:15, 16). For such glory to be revealed to us now, like Saul of Tarsus, we should afterwards be unable to see, unless, indeed, we were instantly destroyed by the brightness of His appearing. Now let us regard the Christian's hope of glory under this aspect. There are creeping things which can only live in darkness; others, a little superior, thrive best in twilight; and others which can live in misty, northern climes, while they would speedily perish under a bright, southern sky. Man, the chief and head of terrene existences, can bask with delight in the most brilliant earthly sunshine. But angels, higher still, can live amid the unscreened splendours of the heavenly world. Now the prospect which we, as Christians, have is of one day joining their bright hosts, feeling at home in that most intense radiance. But how great a change must pass over us before we are fitted for that sphere I We must possess spiritual bodies (see Colossians 3:4; 1 John 3:2; Philippians 3:21). (2) But God's glory must be viewed in a moral aspect, as that of wisdom, holiness, rectitude, and truth, mingled with mercy and love. There is a glory in God's character which, the more we discern, the more we must admire it; in His law, which is the exact counterpart and transcript of His character; in His government of all intelligent creatures, and brightest of all in Christ. This glory we hope to see and to share. Here we see it in part, and know it in part. But hereafter, we shall see it in its fullest splendour. Our moral faculties will be purified, quickened, and enlarged, while our acquaintance with the ways and works of God will be corrected and expanded. We shall be holy, even as He is holy, and do His will as angels do it now (Psalm 17:15). (3) There is also a circumstantial glory — not the glory which belongs intrinsically to God, but the extraneous glory which He bestows upon His people. We cannot but prepare for some determinate place as the scene of our immortal life (John 14:2, 3; 1 Corinthians 2:9). We cannot doubt, however, that heaven will be a domain of perfect happiness and beauty worthy of its Maker; it will contain everything which can minister to the enjoyment of holy and immortal creatures (Revelation 7:16, 17). 2. Its nature. To hope for it is — (1) To believe in its existence and certain attainment; and this we do, because it is expressly promised by Him who cannot lie. (2) To desire it, and long for it (2 Corinthians 5:4). 3. This hope, accordingly, becomes a source of pleasure and joy to us. (T. G. Horton.) Parallel Verses KJV: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. |
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