Friday, August 15, 2008
Romans 8:24 In this hope we are saved.
HOPE
It has been said that Christians live on their prospects. How true! Our hope in Christ is indeed a present reality, but is always a matter of long range vision. Peter defines our hope as the unfading inheritance that is kept in heaven for us until the "coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time" (1 Peter 1:4-5). To Titus Paul urged a waiting for "the blessed hope - the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ" (Titus 2:13).
"Hope that is seen is no hope at all! Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently" (Romans 8:24-25).
"In this hope we were saved," Romans 8:24 declares. Haven't we known the truth of this when we were going through a trying time? How this solid, certain, gospel hope shielded us from despair? "Since we have such a hope we are very bold!" (2 Corinthians 3:12). Indeed, this hope of salvation is our helmet, shielding us from attacks on heart and mind. Truly, this is a good hope we have through grace.
May the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace as we trust in Him, so that we may OVERFLOW WITH HOPE by the power of the Holy Spirit.
- From the "Lutheran Spokesman"
(used by permission)
