What does Romans 5:2 mean?

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By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:2

Explanation

The verse Romans 5:2 encapsulates several key components of Christian faith: grace, faith, and hope. When it refers to “By whom,” it speaks of Jesus Christ, as the preceding verse (Romans 5:1) mentions that we have peace with God through Jesus. Through Jesus, believers have been given ‘access’ into the state of grace, which implies a continuing relationship with God rather than a one-time event. This grace is the unmerited favor and love of God given to humans; it underpins the Christian doctrine of salvation. The phrase “wherein we stand” indicates a firm and steadfast position in this grace.

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The latter part of the verse, “and rejoice in hope of the glory of God,” conveys an attitude of joy and confident expectation (‘hope’) of sharing in God’s glory, which is often understood as participation in the divine life and eternal communion with God after the resurrection or in the life to come.

Historical Context

Romans was written by the Apostle Paul around 57 AD, addressing both Jewish and Gentile Christians in Rome. Paul’s purpose in Romans is to explain his understanding of the Christian Gospel and the righteousness that comes by faith. This epistle systematically sets forth the doctrine of justification by faith and its implications for both Jews and Gentiles, stressing universal sinfulness and the need for righteousness through Christ.

The Greco-Roman background of the original readers would have influenced their understanding of terms like ‘access,’ which could be related to gaining an audience with someone of high status, and ‘glory,’ associated with honor and prestige in society.

Theological Insights

Theologically, Romans 5:2 presents a view of salvation as a present state (‘wherein we stand’) and a future hope (‘hope of the glory of God’), emphasizing that justification by faith grants immediate and eternal benefits. This perspective bridges both the ‘already’ and ‘not yet’ aspects of Christian eschatology.

Different denominations may interpret the ‘access by faith’ differently. For example, some may emphasize the absolute need for individual faith, while others might acknowledge the role of the church and sacraments in mediating this access.

Practical Applications

Practically, Romans 5:2 encourages Christians to live in an attitude of confident joy because of their secure position in God’s grace. It can prompt a lifestyle that reflects gratefulness and trust in God’s promises. With an emphasis on rejoicing, it suggests that hope in God’s glory should affect a believer’s mood, perspective, and interactions with others.

Cross-References

Ephesians 2:8 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:”
Romans 12:12 “Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;”
1 Peter 1:8 “Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:”

Language Study

In the original Greek text, “access” (προσαγωγήν – prosagōgēn) conveys the idea of being brought into the presence of someone, often a person of great power or prestige. “Faith” (πίστεως – pistis) often signifies trust, fidelity, or belief. Moreover, the term “grace” (χάριτι – chariti) denotes favor or kindness that one does not deserve, while “stand” (ἑστήκαμεν – hestēkamen) implies a stable, enduring position. And “rejoice” (καυχώμεθα – kauchōmetha) includes the sense of boasting, usually in a positive congruence with strong confidence.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In contrasting this verse with ancient myths, one could look at how access to the divine, or to divinely-bestowed favor, is portrayed. In many polytheistic religions, such access might depend on sacrifices, rituals, or appeasing the gods. The Christian view of grace as a gift through faith is distinct in that it is not earned or merited by actions, sacrifices, or the whims of multiple deities, but is generously given.

Scientific Perspectives

The concepts presented in Romans 5:2—access by faith, grace, and hope in God’s glory—do not intersect directly with empirical scientific methodologies, which deal with the physical and observable. Science focuses on what can be tested and observed, while faith and hope deal with spiritual beliefs and expectations that go beyond the material world. Science and faith are often seen as addressing different aspects of human experience.

commentaries

Regarding Romans 5:2, various biblical scholars highlight its significance in the overall message of the epistle:

Douglas Moo emphasizes that peace with God is only the beginning of the benefits of justification, and that access to God’s grace provides a secure position for believers.
N.T. Wright suggests that the glory of God is essentially his presence and character, and to hope in it means to look forward to the full revelation of God’s character in the world.
John Stott reflects on the aspect of rejoicing in hope by pointing out that Christian joy is not based merely on present experiences, but on the certainty of future glory with God.