November 24, 2002

SAVED IN HOPE

Romans 8:22-25

 

   "For we are saved in hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man sees, why does he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it " (Romans 8:24-25). Though obvious, it needs to be said: hope is what we do now regarding something unseen in the future.

   In Romans 8 we have learned that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared to the glory "which shall be revealed in us" (8:18). We read that the creation has an "earnest expectation," something it is eagerly looking for, namely "the revelation of the sons of God." The creation was made subject to vanity, not of its own will, but by reason of Him Who hath subjected the same in hope..." When God pronounced sentence upon the serpent, Eve, and Adam, he added the hope of a Deliverer, the Seed of the woman Who would crush the serpent's head! Now "subject to vanity" and the "bondage of corruption," they were given a hope of deliverance!

   Since that time the whole creation has groaned, and throughout the ages, believers have not been exempt from participation in the groaning, for "not only they [the creation], but ourselves also, who have the firstfruits of the spirit (the new nature), even we ourselves groan within our selves, waiting for the adoption, that is, the redemption of our body" (8:22-23). Now we have "the spirit of adoption (sonship)" while we wait our full "adoption" (sonship). Thus creation is waiting its hope in "eager expectation," and we are waiting, "saved in hope."

   An unseen hope has been characteristic for saints of all ages. Think of Noah, warned of things not seen, moving with fear" to the saving of his house;" of those who "died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off...;" of Moses who "endured, as seeing Him Who is invisible" (Hebrews 11:7, 13, 27).

   We hope for "that we see not," and "with patience wait." "We... rejoice in hope of the glory of God" and in tribulation, "knowing that tribulation works patience...endurance...and hope which does not make ashamed, because the love of God is...in our hearts (5:2-5).

 

Ivan L. Burgener