“Through whom we also have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and ^[a]we celebrate in hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5:2 NASB

 Footsteps # 289. The word for “celebrate” in v2 is the same word as “boast” in Rom.3:27 and 4:2. But those passages tell us that no one has room for boasting in relation to their accomplishments in law-keeping and that even Abraham couldn’t boast about his works. The fact that righteousness comes through God’s gift rather than human accomplishment leaves us no room to brag about our spiritual condition. 

 But there is a difference now. Rom.5:2 urges us to boast. Why the change? Because Christians are not exalting their own accomplishments but rather what the Lord has already done for them and will do for them in Christ in the future. This ‘boasting’ is an attitude of rejoicing. Christians boast in the goodness and graciousness of their Lord, who has given them peace with God and continual access to Him. That is worth boasting about. 

The Christians rejoicing derives from “our hope of sharing the glory of God”. Paul has already told us in Rom.3:23, we have all fallen short of God’s glory. Christ prayed that His followers would see His glory (John.17:24), and the dying Stephen did glimpse it (Acts 7:55), but Paul tells us that the consummation of its fullness is still future (Rom.8:18). But we have certainty of that future because of our acceptance of what God has done in Christ. No wonder as Christians we have joy. 

Christians are those who have traded in boasting for rejoicing. Today and every day is an occasion to rejoice for those who have accepted God’s salvation. 

If we have peace, access and joy then how come Christians have just as many troubles and sufferings as other people? That was a live issue since it wasn’t always easy to be a Christian in the Roman Empire. V3 is the hardest line in the entire book (c.f. James 1:2 which is an anticipation of trouble in the Christian life.) Life is largely suffering for many. It seems to be intrinsic to life. If Christians had “peace with God”, how can they also face illness, persecution, and other difficulties with joy? Sufferings probably caused Christians to doubt the reality of their so-called blessings. Look beyond your circumstances.