The Result of Justification (7):

He Gives Us a Hope that Does Not Shame Us

"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 Bible tells us that hope does not put us to shame (Romans 5:5). What does "hope" mean here? It refers to the hope that begins with "hoping for the glory of God" (v. 2), and through tribulation, patience is produced, which leads to character, and character produces hope (v. 3-4). Hoping for God's glory is something even new believers can long for. However, the hope that comes through tribulation, patience, and character is the hope that only mature Christians can possess. This is the hope that the Bible speaks of here.  The Bible assures us that this hope does not put us to shame (v. 5). The reason this hope does not put us to shame is because it will certainly be fulfilled. Hope that becomes faint and discouraging will put us to shame. All earthly hopes, even when fulfilled, will eventually put us to shame, as they are temporary and limited. However, the hope mentioned in Romans 5:2-4 is a glorious hope, and it will not put us to shame. This is a hope of great pride, a hope that we can rely on completely.  The reason this hope will surely be fulfilled is because God Himself guarantees it. How has God guaranteed this hope? By giving us His Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 1:22). So how has God guaranteed this to us? By His love (Romans 5:5). Because God loves us, we have been justified by faith (v. 1). His love enables us to hope for His glory (v. 2).  Romans 5:5 tells us that the love of God has been poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. God has given us the Holy Spirit. Let’s look at Acts 2:17: "In the last days, I will pour out my Spirit on all people…" Who gave us the Holy Spirit? God the Father gave us the Holy Spirit. Where did He give the Holy Spirit? He gave the Holy Spirit to our hearts. The Holy Spirit connects us to God’s love and pours God’s love into our hearts.

God is love (1 John 4:8, 16). Because God is love, not only does He act with love, but He has abundantly poured His love into our hearts. This love of God was manifested in the death of Jesus on the cross (Romans 5:8). God did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for all of us (Romans 8:32). God has poured His immeasurable love upon us, His chosen people. We are the ones who have received God’s immense love. Therefore, this hope will certainly be fulfilled 100%. This hope will not put us to shame. We must live with this certain hope, especially as we approach the great tribulation that is to come. With this hope, and holding on firmly to God’s love, we must believe, endure the tribulation, overcome it, and ultimately be victorious.