Comprehensive Doctrine of Justification (24)
[Romans 5:5]
As we contemplate the ninth sub-theme under the overarching theme of "Comprehensive Doctrine of Justification," we are currently reflecting on the eighth sub-theme, "The Result of Justification." We have already considered the result of justification in four aspects: (1) The Result of Justification (1): We have obtained peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Rom. 5:1). (2) The Result of Justification (2): Through Jesus Christ, we have gained access by faith into God's grace, in which we now stand (v. 2a). (3) The Result of Justification (3): We can rejoice in the hope of the glory of God (v. 2b). (4) The Result of Justification (4): We rejoice even in tribulation (v. 3). Today, we will reflect on the statement "and hope does not put us to shame" from Romans 5:5, focusing on the result of justification.
Look at Romans 5:5 - "and hope does not put us to shame because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us." Here, "hope" refers to the inheritance of the kingdom of our heavenly Father that we will receive. Hebrews 9:15 states, "Therefore, he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant." Jesus Christ, the Mediator of the sinless new covenant, died to redeem us from the sins committed under the old covenant, enabling those who believe in Him and receive righteousness to obtain the promised eternal inheritance. This "eternal inheritance" becomes our "hope" (Rom. 5:5). Romans 8:16-17 further elaborates, "The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him." The Holy Spirit personally testifies that we are "children of God." Here, "children" refer to those "called" (Heb. 9:15), individuals who have received the Spirit, believed in Jesus, and obtained justification. As children of God, they become heirs of God, receiving the inheritance of God the Father's kingdom. This is our hope (Rom. 5:5).
This hope does not disappoint us (v. 5). Many people live with hope, but there are often instances of disappointment due to that hope. Some among them even experience such profound disappointment that it leads to suicide. However, our hope does not bring us disappointment. The reason is that, through the Holy Spirit given to us by God, His love has been poured into our hearts (v. 5). Hoping for the inheritance of God's kingdom through this "love of God" never causes us shame (does not disappoint us). How can we comprehend God's love? Starting with "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life" (Jn. 3:16), the Bible speaks extensively about God's love. John 15:13 says, "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends." When we were helpless ["while we were still weak" (Rom. 5:6)], Christ died for the "ungodly" (not friends) (v. 6). Furthermore, "God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (v. 8). How immense is this love of God? God gave His only Son, Jesus Christ, to the cross to redeem us from sin. Jesus shed His blood and died on the cross to rescue us from sin.
God has bestowed this kind of love upon us. This love of God was fully revealed on the cross. Moreover, the Holy Spirit has poured out this love of God into our hearts (5:5). Because of this, our hope will not be disappointed but will be gloriously fulfilled. Therefore, we must not waver in this hope. Instead, we should firmly grasp onto this hope and eventually become the ones who receive and enjoy it. This hope is not realized in this present age; it will be fulfilled in the future. When we stand before God in His kingdom, we will inherit from God. Therefore, regardless of any difficulties we may face, we must hold onto this hope, rejoice in hope, praise in hope, and overcome the challenges of our sojourning life with this hope. Rejoicing in hope without being dismayed, and persevering in hope until the end, let us all become God's children who inherit God's kingdom.