What does it mean that we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God (Romans 5:2)?

In Romans 5:1–5, the apostle Paul elaborates on the peace and joy that accompany being justified by faith. A person who puts his or her faith in Jesus Christ is no longer condemned to face God’s wrath but stands secure in a state of grace: “Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. We have also obtained access through Him by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God” (Romans 5:1–2, HCSB).

Because of our faith in Jesus Christ, we are brought into a place of undeserved privilege and favor with God. All is well with our souls. In Christ, we are safe from all harm. This new secure standing results in a sense of peace and joy. To “rejoice” usually means to feel or show great happiness or delight. However, in Romans 5:2, the Greek word translated as “rejoice” actually means “to show off verbally, to boast or exult.” It refers to expressing trust in God to do what He promised. In the context of this passage, rejoicing is not merely a fleeting emotion but a deep-seated sense of assurance grounded in the Lord’s faithfulness. This joy stems from the hope of the glory of God.

The believer’s hope is not wishful thinking but a confident expectation rooted in trust and faith in God. Our joy and hope are firmly anchored upon the assurance that God will fulfill His promises. They are cemented in the character and faithfulness of God. We have joy, hope, and confidence that the future holds the fulfillment of God’s Word to us. In Romans 5:2, this hope is tied explicitly to the “glory of God.”

The glory of God refers to His divine presence (John 1:14), majesty (Psalm 8:1), and holiness (Isaiah 6:3; Psalm 29:2). It represents the manifestation of God’s character and power (Romans 9:23). Because we have peace with God through Jesus Christ, we have obtained complete and unhindered access to God’s glorious presence (see Hebrews 4:16). Paul says in Ephesians 3:12, “Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence” (NLT).

For believers, rejoicing in the hope of the glory of God involves an expectation of sharing in the fullness of God’s glory. We have the forward-facing assurance of our ultimate completion in Jesus Christ (see Philippians 1:6), as Paul explains in Colossians 1:27: “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” This hope includes the anticipation of eternal life (1 Peter 1:3–5), the resurrection of the body (Romans 8:11; 1 Corinthians 6:14; 2 Corinthians 4:14; 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17), and the ultimate redemption of creation (see Romans 8:19–21; 1 Peter 5:10).

While believers will fully experience God’s glory in the future, there is also a present aspect to this glory. As Christians live in a state of grace, they reflect God’s glory through their lives (Matthew 5:14–16; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Colossians 3:10; Philippians 2:15). Our transformation and sanctification are ongoing processes that reveal God’s character and glory to the world (Romans 12:2; 2 Corinthians 4:16; Ephesians 4:20–24).

Interestingly, Paul does not shy away from the reality of suffering. Immediately following Romans 5:2, he states, “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation” (Romans 5:3–4, NLT).

Everything in our lives, even suffering, has a good purpose (Romans 8:28). Suffering, when faced with faith, produces perseverance or endurance. Perseverance, in turn, shapes and develops character. This character is not self-made but formed by the Holy Spirit’s work within believers (Romans 15:13; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Ephesians 3:16; Titus 3:5).

Ultimately, this process strengthens our hope. The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in this dynamic: “And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us” (Romans 5:5). The Spirit reassures us of God’s love and the certainty of His promises, making our hope steadfast (see Hebrews 6:19–20).

Rejoicing in the hope of the glory of God is not dependent on circumstances but on the unchanging promises of God. We can rejoice in our secure position with God in Jesus Christ, regardless of what is happening around us. We can persevere through trials, knowing they will lead to spiritual growth and unwavering hope.

Rejoicing in the hope of the glory of God transforms our perspectives, priorities, and interactions. We experience a living hope that develops resilience in the face of adversity and cultivates a lifestyle that honors God. As ambassadors of this hope, we share the message of God’s grace and glory with others.