We Rejoice In The Hope Of The Glory Of God

Romans 5: 1-2 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.

Have you ever hoped to gain access to something, but were not able to?  It may be something like the most awesome concert of the decade, the opening night of a blockbuster movie.  Or it could have been the hot night spot in town.  Okay maybe in some town other than Pocatello, Idaho.  You may have stood in line for hours only to find that it was already sold out, or were not able to allowed inside the door.  I’ll bet you were more than a little disappointed.   

We live in a society where having access to something exclusive is considered important.  It gives us a desired status in our community.  It elevates us above those who merely hope to get inside.  In these situations there is always some standard that has to be met to be admitted.  The people in charge of some of these settings raise the bar pretty high in order to exclude those who in their view are “undesirables”.   Unless you are a bona fide “celebrity”, do not even show up at the door.  

  

When you contrast that with the Romans 5 passage above, how different a life in Christ can be to life in the fast lane.  A life in Christ is not about belonging to an exclusive club.  God does not want us standing in line in some vain hope of gaining access to His Glory.  Rather, he wants us to gain access.  What’s more, He promises us access.  He gives us a ticket for entry by giving us the faith we need.  He does not hold out these tickets for only a select few.  His desire is for all of us to be there with Him.  So, our life in Christ is a life of hope based upon the promise of God.  It just does not get any better than that. Yes, friends of the Savior, a life in Christ means you are part of an inclusive club.  And after all, isn’t that a better club to belong to?

PRAYER:  Father in heaven, we are truly blessed by Your enduring love.  We are humbled by Your grace.  We stand in awe of the magnitude of Your love for us.  Help us as we reach out in love to others who are lost.  Guide our efforts so that Your glory may be seen in our humble efforts.  In Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen.