Romans 5:2

by whom Lit. through whom; the same construction as that just before.

also i.e. "we owe to Him our entrance to grace, as well asour standing in it."

we have access Lit. we have had; "we have found." The time-reference is to a past reception resulting in present possession. "Access:" lit. the introduction; "our introduction." Same word as Ephesians 2:18; Ephesians 3:12 (though the reference there is not precisely that here), and 1 Peter 3:18 (where E. V. has "bring us to God"). The idea is of the acceptance of the acquitted. Both ideas, acquittal by a Judge and acceptance by a reconciled Father, reside in Justification.

by faith Our side of the matter. The Lord's "introduction" of us to His Father's acceptance takes effect individually when we individually believe.

this grace i.e. "acceptance" (Ephesians 1:6) and resulting "peace." The word recalls the fact that acceptance, as previously proved (see ch. 4), is "according to grace," not debt.

wherein we stand The word "stand" is in contrast to the "fall" of the rejected and condemned. See Romans 11:20; also Psalms 1:5; Psalms 130:3; Revelation 6:17; and 1 Corinthians 15:1, where the context gives the idea of acceptanceand safety, as here. That of perseverance(as in Acts 26:22, E. V. "continue") may alsobe present; but the context shews that acceptance is at least the main point.

rejoice A word elsewhere rendered "glory" (as just below, Romans 5:3), or "boast." See on Romans 4:2. The reasoning here rises, from the foundation-truth of lawful justification, to the holy elevations of consequent joy and energy in the justified.

in hope Lit. on hope. Perhaps here (as in Romans 4:18, q. v.) the "hope" is objective; "the hope set before us" (Hebrews 6:18), i.e. the promise and pledges of glory. On this our joy is based.

the glory of God For commentary, see Romans 8:18; Romans 8:21; Romans 8:30. The eternal bliss of the justified is called "the glory of God" because it is a state of joy, love, majesty, and holiness, bestowed by God; in the presence of God; and being in its essence the Vision of God, and likeness to Him. Cp. John 17:24; 2 Corinthians 4:17; Philippians 3:21; Colossians 1:27; 2 Timothy 2:10; 1 Peter 4:13; Revelation 21:11; Revelation 21:23. This ver. is a brief anticipation of ch. 8.