Romans 5:2... we got there in the end!

 "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

I noticed as I was looking at this verse (in the KJV, ESV and the NIV) that the footnotes explain that some manuscripts omit the 'by faith'. While it may seem somewhat innocuous to do so it would rather be like omitting the 'through our Lord Jesus Christ at the end of verse one.

It doesn't add to the understanding of the action of our faith and justification by leaving 'by faith' out, but it does sort of detract from the heavy emphasis that Paul has put on faith in chapter 4. Also it describes rather well the key that is required for us to enter the room wherein we will stand in the Almighty's grace.

It is yet again an example of that multi-faceted elements of justification, faith and grace and the many many contexts in which those words can apply to us as Christians... while remaining so very very singular in purpose. Vast applications, but ultimately serving a single purpose.

I realise my painkiller addled mind may have wandered into a theological La-la land so I'll try and expand on how this line of thinking presented itself. Below is what I wrote immediately following my first full look at verse 2.

'Following the declaration at the close of verse 1 that peace has been achieved 'with God through our Lord Jesus Christ' Paul adds a most important point regarding this access. The same sacrifice that affords us this peace (where there was once enmity) and the propitiation that allowed us to ultimately be justified also allows us to access an inner sanctum of grace. A condition or place where we can stand in his grace.  

Now grace is so very multi layered while remaining in essence so simple. Grace means of course 'unmerited favour' and it is only by grace that our justification and peace with God can be achieved (through our Lord Jesus Christ!). But grace means even more than just an action of favour. An indication and my reason for saying this lies in the words "wherein we stand" (KJV) or "in which we stand" (ESV). It (grace) is also a condition or state, a 'place' even if I can put it such a way.

'The grace in which we stand' - once found not guilty and even righteous we can stand in the very presence of Jehovah, our spiritual being is in a state of grace. Grace (unmerited favour) affords the chance to be in grace (standing in his presence spiritually).

It is rather like being so blessed as to be invited to the King's palace quite undeservedly and through no action or deed on our part. In receiving the invitation we are conscious that just to be invited and to attend the palace alone is an act of great favour by the King. Then on arrival and we are invited directly into an audience with the King. Once there we are made to feel so very comfortable and the King is so approachable answering all of our questions in full. A wonderful place to stand... in the very presence of the King. Invited by grace, attending by grace and in his throne room basking in his grace.

And to top it all His son stopped us at the door and gave us some of His finest clothes to wear so the King would find us acceptable and worthy of seeing.'

I hope that cleared up why I thought what I did.

Grace is my new favourite word!

By Grace ye are saved

I have been reading the first few chapters of Herman Hoeksema's 'Wonder of Grace' and after 3 short chapters I would recommend it wholeheartedly. As you'd expect from the title Mr Hoeksema discusses all things regarding Sovereign Grace.

Thus far I have read the chapters on 'Salvation by Grace', 'Chosen by Grace' and 'Reconciled by Grace'. The second chapter 'Chosen by Grace' is essentially about election.

Now I'm aware that this topic (election) is one which causes a great deal of unease, debate and even division in the Church and I have no wish with my limited understanding of things scriptural to inflame anyone's ire over it.

However... Mr Hoeksema clearly falls into the electionist camp and I was taken by the following paragraph as it takes a slant on things I'd not encountered before. The 'truth' being the doctrine of election:

"It dare not be objected to this doctrine that this truth offers no comfort to poor sinners: for nothing could be farther from the truth. True, this doctrine has no consolation for the impenitent wicked. But we ask: is there any form of presentation of the gospel that could possibly comfort the wicked and the ungodly?"

Ergo, if one is saved, is the truth of election not wonderfully reassuring for us... reassurance of God's love and our personal salvation? Also this highlights that our squeamish concerns over the unelect hold no water as the gospel holds no comfort for them personally?

It is rather that we wish they could share in our comfort and our knowledge of a personal Saviour?
I may have made something out of nothing there and misjudged the entire context of the sentence. It did make me think though that any concerns one might have over election lie in the converts' concern over the 'fair' treatment of condemned unconverted sinners who remain blind to the gospel and stumble on in their impenitence.

We're all guilty of course... as charged. But by Grace we are saved.

Grace of course meaning unmerited favour.

Wow... don't you feel great about that Christian?

Please take a look at the bookshop here for the Covenant Protestant Reformed Church based in Ballymena, Northern Ireland. They have very good selection.