The second blessing is 'access by faith into this grace in which we stand' (5:2). We are not just people over whom God's wrath no longer hangs, but we are those who have credited to our accounts a righteousness which positively commends us to God. He has finished being angry with us, and instead he approves and receives us. We have been brought by Christ into a place of royal favour, and into a marvellous state of gracious acceptance by God. We have been introduced into the King's presence, for we have on the Prince's robe! In this life we can address God, walk with him and enjoy him. He is not aloof from us. He is ours!
(pp. 61-62)
And this quote is about something that keeps coming up for me lately again and again... and is super encouraging :) ...
3. Our justification, our peace with God and our access into his royal presence are in no way affected by our circumstances.(p.66)
The troubles of this life develop our Christian character, but these three things remain unaltered and unalterable. There is never a time when I am more or less right with God, more or less at peace with him, or more or less welcome to approach him. These things rest on Christ's finished work, and so my relationship with God always remains the same. Difficulties and my reaction to them, mean that there are days when I am less holy than on other days. There are times when my obedience and spirituality are greater than at other times. But my relationship with God remains unchanged. My acceptance is complete. If we are not clear on this point, we have entirely missed what Paul is saying to us in these verses.
Olyott, S. 1979. 'The Gospel as it really is'. Evangelical Press: Darlington.
Also... more answered prayer this morning: I received a really encouraging letter and gift toward next year :)
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