Reason for hope

Romans 5:1-11

¹ Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. ² Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.

³ We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. ⁴ And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. ⁵ And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

⁶ When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. ⁷ Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. ⁸ But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. ⁹ And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. ¹⁰ For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. ¹¹ So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.

I have great reason for hope! All of God’s people have great reason for hope. My hope is a living reality, not an idea. My hope is that I have already received the Holy Spirit, poured into my heart. This is God’s expression of love towards me. This is a comfort and joy in my present reality, no matter what else might be going on. But it is also a sign.

It is a sign of what is past – Christ died for me, the ungodly. He has reconciled me with God. Made me a friend of God.

It is a sign of the future – just as Christ was raised from the dead, so I will be raised from the dead.

No wonder I have hope. I am enveloped by a past and a future that hold me through all eternity. While being held by God I am filled by his very Spirit! 

Father of my past, present and future, thank you for declaring your love and life over me, not just with words but with actions the ring out for all eternity. I have a real and living hope in me. Amen

Written by Andrew Mellor

This Bible Project video has a great overview of Romans chapter 5 to 16.