Romans 8:23-25, Saved by Hope

Romans 8:23-25 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. 24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? 25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.

The Apostle Paul says, “we are saved by hope” to describe how believers cling on to the promises of God for their present sustenance and to guide them into the “unknown” future. Indeed, a “people of hope” is a fitting description for the people of God. Jesus Christ has promised eternal life to all who repent of their sins and receive Him as Lord and Saviour. And we live in anticipation of Jesus Christ’s return to bring His church to glory. When He comes, we shall be given an incorruptible body fit for life in heaven. Therefore, we wait for the time of our change. Our hope will be a future reality because God cannot lie. He will be faithful to His Word. As such, we ought to the happiest people on earth because we have a sure hope. And we have a mandate from the Lord to proclaim this “blessed hope”!

When Noah is building the ark, he has not seen rain. But he knows that God will be sending rain in the fullness of time and the ark that he builds will provide security and safety from the coming calamity. The Bible tells us that Noah feared God. He took God at His Word and proved Him faithful! Hebrews 11:6 testifies “By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.” May God grant us faith in His Word so that we will continue to hope in Him as we await His soon return! Amen.