Romans 5:1-5 (NIVUK)
1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And 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.
There is a lot to reflect on here regarding a Christian response to suffering, but for now I want to simply note the journey Paul talks about that starts from the peace that we have through our faith, which enables us to endure in our suffering, building up our character – in other words firming up in us God’s image – finally leading to hope. This hope looks to the future – we persevere because we know that ultimately God will not let us down. How do we know this? Because of what he has done in the past in Christ’s Cross, and is doing in us now through his Spirit. These things we can see and know, and give us assurance that our consistent God will complete his salvation.
Father, reveal more clearly and deeply to us what you have done and are doing, so that we can become more confident in you and our hope.
Leave a Reply