Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:1-2
God saved me not only from the penalty of my sin, but also redeemed me from the relational brokenness. It would be tremendous mercy for God to save me, but then determine that I would have no relationship with Him. It would be like a monarch of a vast nation–over his subjects and responsible for them, but having no need for a personal relationship with any.
God is not some distant monarch. He is not only my Redeemer, He is also my Father. Through Jesus Christ I have access for a personal, loving relationship with God. And that relationship is eternal — heaven will be with God!
Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. Romans 5:3-5
Because I have a personal relationship with Almighty God, I have hope. I have purpose. My life has meaning. Even suffering, even trials, serve a purpose in my life. They are allowed by my Father to produce endurance. Endurance produces godly character. Godly character produces hope. God has given me His Spirit. Relationship. Fatherhood. Personal.
God wants to have a relationship with me. He wants to be my Father. He has provided the means for me to have a relationship with Him. He has given me the Holy Spirit, so I would never be alone, so that I can know Him.
I am so very grateful.
Plea for Grace 