Page 5 - October 2024 - Truth & Tidings

ESV). And it is this same justification that is old and weak will be cast aside for the
commends us to His peace presently: glory He has prepared.
“Now the God of peace be with you all.
Amen” (15:33). Yet this blessed peace is Aspect #4: Glory in Tribulation
only the beginning of Paul’s presentation. This cascading revelation in Paul’s writ-
ing causes our hearts to burn for heaven’s
Aspect #2: Access by Faith brightness, so how startling that the fourth
Justification not only calms the terror aspect calls upon us not only to find joy
of facing a holy God but emphasizes the in heaven’s glory, but conversely to rejoice
closeness we enjoy with God. This second in earth’s tribulations. The thought at
aspect means that we delight in His pres- first seems counterproductive, but all of
ence. This is because in the Lord Jesus Scripture points to God’s work supersed-
Christ “we have access by faith.” Distance ing human suffering. And is not Christ
can be confused for the cessation of hostil- the ultimate example, “who for the joy
ity, but closeness reveals the reality of a that was set before him endured the cross,
relationship. Catesby Paget penned the despising the shame” (Heb 12:2)? The God
hymn, “So near, so very near to God, I who has wrought great gain from that
cannot nearer be. For in the person of His grief will surely work out triumph from
Son, I am as near as He.” The reality of our our meager trials. It is no mistake that
peace is experienced as we are welcomed here, amidst our trials, we learn of the love
into His courts. Queen Vashti anxiously of God for the first time (in this epistle).
waited for the scepter of Ahasuerus to That “God’s love has been poured into our
welcome her into his presence, unsure of hearts through the Holy Spirit” (Rom 5:5
her acceptability. How often, as we drive ESV) is an undeniable reason to glory in
to work, take a walk, sit at the dinner table, tribulation. And if I must enter into tribu-
fall to our knees, or rise in public, we enter lation to gain the patience, experience and
His presence without a hint of doubt or hope that will allow me to truly appreciate
terror, because we have “access by faith.” His love, then how valuable and reward-
ing is that tribulation!
Aspect #3: Rejoicing in Hope The presentation of these four great

The third aspect of Paul’s exposition of aspects of justification prepares us for the
justification only builds further upon the famous words that follow: “For when we
preceding points. The peace we enjoy and were yet without strength, in due time
the presence we pursue call us on to our Christ died for the ungodly” (v6). Were
grand future. Thus, we are meant to live you to drive past the Pennsauken Gospel
each day “rejoicing in the hope of the glory Hall, you would see these words embla-
of God.” Truly, our sinful nature attempts zoned on a large open Bible sign before
to mock the truth of the peace we possess. a local highway. Millions have moved
Equally, our feeble, failing human frames past those words for decades, seemingly
are too often distracted from the enjoy- uncaring of the great salvation extended
ment of our access to His presence. Yet, we to them. Yet, how much deeper should
have cause for rejoicing because we are not my appreciation be for the blessings of
moving away from God but toward Him. justification that are not just possibilities
In that future day of redemption, all that but present spiritual possessions.

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