by By Gerrit Bomhof
Through [Jesus Christ] we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. — Romans 5:2
If you could gain access to any place in the world, where would you go? Maybe you’d want a backstage pass at a concert or a Broadway production, a behind-the-scenes tour of a government building, or a private showing of artifacts from the tombs of ancient Egypt.
Romans 5 reminds us that we now have access not simply to some earthly adventures but to the very grace of God! This amazing access is more valuable than anything this world can offer.
Did you notice what the writer, Paul, says about the timing of this access? This is not a promise that someday we will have admission to God’s grace and peace in the future; no, this is a reality for us now. “We now stand” in God’s grace, and “we have peace with God.” So our lives should be vastly different than if we did not have this access.
How is this access displayed in our everyday lives? We have optimism “in the hope of the glory of God.” We know that the purpose for which God created us will ultimately be realized. We also know that transformation is taking place as “suffering produces perseverance . . . character, [and] hope.” Further, we have the assurance of God’s love, which he pours out into our hearts by his Holy Spirit. We are truly blessed to have this access to God!
Prayer
Forgive us, Lord, when we lose sight of how much you have changed our lives. Enable us to appreciate the access we have to your grace, so amazingly given to us through Jesus. In his name, Amen.