“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (Romans 5:1-5).
In the ancient world, a wall was essential to its safety. Gates within the wall were essential to a robust economy. According to Nehemiah 3, the city of Jerusalem had ten—the Fish Gate (v. 3), the Old Gate (v. 6), the Valley Gate (v. 13), the Refuse Gate (v. 13), the Fountain Gate (v. 15), the Water Gate (v. 26), the Horse Gate (v. 28), the East Gate (v, 29), the Miphkad (or Inspection) Gate (v. 31), and the Sheep Gate (v. 32). Each of these gates had its own unique, location, features, and importance.
Being counted as righteous by faith is a wondrous blessing. Like the temple gate called Beautiful (Acts 3:3), justification has its own unique location, features, and importance. It functions as an access to God’s vast treasury of spiritual blessings.
The beautiful Gate called Justification is a conduit to:
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Peace with God. Here is found the blessing of a cessation of hostility and rebellion towards God, reconciliation to God, and the onset of serenity and wholeness which passes all human comprehension.
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Access into grace. Here is found the blessing of unfettered entrance into God’s august presence and His throne of grace and mercy, the richness of His fellowship, and the maximization of your talents in His service.
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Joy. Here is found the unspeakable, warm contentment found in obedience, unaffected by your circumstances.
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Hope. Here is found that confident expectation of eternal life which sustains during life’s most trying circumstances and serves as a powerful catalyst for diligent spiritual growth.
By itself, the blessing of justification is stunning. As a gate to further spiritual blessings it is most beautiful.
