Yesterday, as I wrote about the hope of God that is developed through the godly handling of our afflictions – that progression of proven character Paul outlined for us in Romans 5:3-5 – my attention was taken by how Paul began that passage. “And not only that ….”
That little introductory phrase made me stop and go back to the “not only that” Paul referenced. “Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. We have also obtained access through Him by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.” [Romans 5:1-2 HCSB]
Wow! Look at what we have. (I could preach for a year on just what Paul tells us “we have” in these two short verses.)
We have … been declared righteous when we placed our faith in God’s Son. We have … peace with God through our LORD Jesus Christ. We have … obtained access through Him by faith. We have … grace in which we now stand. We have … rejoicing in the hope of the glory of God!
If I look at my life from the world’s perspective, I do not have much. Thankfully, I have enough for what I need and am surrounded by people I love and who love me. But the bank account is pretty minimal and there are no stocks or bonds, no fancy cars or toys or trips. I have a solid roof over my head and a warm bed and food on the table. I have much more than many, but not as much as some.
But if I look at my life from a heavenly perspective, from God’s view, I am abundantly rich. I have been granted righteousness, faith, peace with God, access to the Almighty Father in heaven, grace that enables me to weather anything life can throw at me, Joy!, hope and the glory of God.
Amen & Amen! Thank you, Father!
