In Romans 5:2 Paul teaches that as followers of Christ we are to rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. How are we to understand this command? Let’s take a closer look to dig into what Paul is saying in this passage.
Romans 5:1–2 (NKJV) Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
For context we need to understand that at this point in the book of Romans Paul has spent three and half chapters thoroughly arguing the true condition of our hearts (sinful) and our stance before God (guilty). He has hammered the doctrine that sinners are justified by faith not works so just as Abraham’s faith was counted to him as righteousness it is through faith and not works that one is saved from condemnation. Now Paul presents the beauty of justification by faith in the glorious Son of God, His life and death, for undeserving sinners. For the believer, we look back (past) to Calvary and trust that God’s redeeming work was accomplished on that fateful day. But pay close attention to Paul’s futuristic command. Namely, Paul also emphasizes that we place our faith in the promises (future) of God and His kingdom. We are to rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
We stand (v.2a) (present) in the certain hope that we will (future) experience the mesmerizing glory of God and the fulfillment of every promise He has made to His children because of our Lord Jesus Christ. This is the key to experiencing joy in the Christian life. That sound fantastic, but what about today you may wonder? Life is tough, where is the present application and reward? Friends, truly seeing the glory of God, His faithfulness to His promises, and the profound promises He has made to us is exactly what propels us through difficulty and the various trials of life.
Romans 5:3–5 (NKJV) 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Simply put God uses trials to produce our sanctification. God in His infinite power will even bend the difficult experiences to work for our good, (Rom 8:28). Our minds are to be set on heaven and the glorious, mind boggling future that awaits us. This is not just a passing emotion. Don’t miss this. There is a certainty to this kind of hope. We know that we know because the Spirit of God is testifying (reminding us) of God’s love in our hearts, (8:5). We are certain that this future is in store for us because of God’s faithfulness to execute every detail of His Word and because of the complete sufficiency of Christ’s righteousness and sacrifice for us. For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us, ( 2 Corinthians 1:20). God cannot lie. God has declared the person who has placed their faith in Christ righteous!
Romans 8:33–35 (NKJV)33 Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
If God has declared us righteous because in faith we are now in Christ and have His imputed righteousness, who can condemn us? In the Father’s eyes we are righteous, blameless. Truly believing this amazing principle will give you all the strength you need to face the challenges ahead. The end will come and the result is more incredible than language can express. Eye has not seen, no ear heard, nor have entered the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him, (1 Cor 12:9). Friends, come to Christ and lay your burdens down. Receive the free gift of salvation and begin the eternal blessing of getting to know the glory of our incredible and all satisfying God. Just over the horizon lies a reality that is more valuable than all the world can give. He is God and His name is Jesus. Hope in the infinite glory of God!