The Result of Justification (2):

Gaining Access to the Grace in Which We Stand by Faith

“Through him, we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which

we stand, and we boast in the hope of the glory of God” (Romans 5:2).

The basis of justification is solely “through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1). The method of justification is “by faith” (verse 1). The first result of justification is that the justified person enjoys peace with God (verse 1).

For example, there is a sister who grew up with a strong faith. She was raised praising and worshiping God. However, at one point, she realized her sin, and as she became overwhelmed with guilt, she grew fearful and unwilling to approach God. She went to church out of obligation, but she had no joy and lacked peace in her heart. Then, she came to understand the doctrine of justification. She realized that all her sins — original sin, past, present, and future sins — were forgiven. This led her to experience freedom, joy, peace, love, and service. Now, she prays for her neighbors. There are many sick people, and she feels deep compassion for them, thinking that if they die without Jesus, they will go to hell. So, she started praying for them. She also prays for healthy people because, if they do not believe in Jesus, they too will go to hell. With compassion in her heart, she prays earnestly every day. Even though she herself is sick and unable to move around much, she prays. How precious are the fruits of justification!

Look at the verse for today, Romans 5:2: “Through him, we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we boast in the hope of the glory of God.” Here we can see the second result of justification. The second result is that the justified person, through it, gains access to this grace in which they stand (verse 2).

In this verse, “through him” (verse 2) refers to “our Lord Jesus Christ” from Romans 5:1. And when it says “we by faith” (verse 2), “we” refers to the believers, specifically to the Apostle Paul and the saints in the church of Rome. Applied more broadly, it refers to all people who believe in Jesus. Additionally, the word “by faith” (verse 2) is said to be absent in some manuscripts. However, in other manuscripts, the word does appear. The Korean Bible is translated from the manuscript that includes the word “faith.”

Romans 5:2 says, “... we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we stand...” Here, the term "grace" refers to something given freely to someone who does not deserve it (for example, a sinner who does not deserve to receive blessings). It is something given unconditionally and without charge. The passage also says, "we have gained access." Normally, we say we "receive" grace, but Romans 5:2 says we "enter into" grace. It’s not just about receiving grace, but about entering into a realm or domain of grace.

So, where is this place or realm of grace? We can understand this better by looking at the system of the temple in the Old Testament, specifically the temple built by Solomon. The veil of the temple could not be opened or closed at will. It was divided into the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies. In the Holy of Holies, there was the Ark of the Covenant (containing the two stone tablets of the Law, Aaron’s budding staff, and manna). The mercy seat was sprinkled with the blood for atonement. God’s presence dwelt in the Holy of Holies. The glory of God filled the space, making it radiant. This is the place of grace. Only the high priest could enter, and only once a year, to offer a sacrifice of atonement. Anyone else who entered would die.

The fruit of justification is that we can now enter the Holy of Holies. This is what it means to "gain access to this grace" (Romans 5:2). How did this become possible? It is “through him” (Romans 5:2), that is, “through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1). Because Jesus Christ, the mediator, took upon Himself our sins, died on the cross, and rose from the dead, we can now enter the Holy of Holies. By following Jesus Christ, we can enter into grace.

If we tried to approach the Most High God on our own, we would surely die. However, if we enter through Jesus Christ’s guidance, we can come into His presence. This is the great blessing of justification we have received.

Romans 5:2 says we are “standing.” To stand in the place of grace means that, because of the work of our Lord Jesus Christ (the basis of justification), through faith (the method of justification), we have been declared righteous (the result of justification #1). Now, as God’s children, we can enter into the Holy of Holies, the place of grace, and continue to stand before His presence (the result of justification #2).

Jesus Christ came as the atoning sacrifice, carrying all our sins upon Himself, shedding His blood (His life) on the cross, and receiving in our place the eternal punishment that we deserved. Through the work that Jesus Christ accomplished on the cross, we have been justified. Therefore, through Jesus Christ, we can now approach God, live before Him, and receive His protection. We entered into this grace “by faith,” and we received this privilege “by faith.”

Let’s look at Hebrews 4:15-16: “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

We have received the privilege of approaching God with confidence. Why can we approach God with confidence? It is to receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need (Hebrews 4:16). In this life, we may face different situations, but in order to receive the grace that helps us in the time of need, we must approach God’s throne of grace boldly and pray. That is the place of grace. Whatever happens in our lives, we must go to God in prayer and receive His help.

When Jesus was crucified, miracles occurred. One of those miracles is recorded in Matthew 27:50-51 in the Bible: "And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom..." The veil of the temple, which had previously prevented entry into the Most Holy Place, was torn by the death of Jesus Christ, making it possible for us to enter.  Let’s look at what Hebrews 10:19-20 says: "Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, His body." "His body" refers to the physical body of Jesus Christ.

Therefore, as we live in this pilgrim world, we must boldly approach God, who is able to abundantly help us, through Jesus Christ. Since we approach God through Jesus, He will hear our requests as He sees His Son. Thus, let us all boldly approach God, the place of grace, and pray confidently.