WE ARE SAVED BY HOPE

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? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. (Romans 8:24-25)

The first exhortation given to believers was, "Save yourselves from this untoward generation" (Acts 2:40). How is this possible? How can we avoid being pulled down by our wicked surroundings? To be sure, it is going to require effort on our part–consistent effort. We do not float peacefully to heaven on a tranquil stream, wafted along by gentle heavenly breezes. There are storms, battles, and periods of testing along the way.

Our text says "we are saved by hope." That is, our anticipation of what awaits us keeps us going in the land of the enemy. This hope is the "blessed hope" of the "glorious appearing" of our Lord (Tit 2:12). It is the "hope" of being "forever" with the Lord (1 Thess 4:17), and "being like Him" (1 John 3:1-2). We are not "saved" by wishing this will happen, but really being sure of it. "Hope" has to do with the persuasion of the truth, not the mere possibility of it. By faith, we become convinced of our future, and therefore look forward to it with anxious anticipation.

In what sense does hope "save" us? It does not save us in the sense of remission, or of justification. We are justified by faith, not by hope. "Save," in this sense, has to do with sanctification–with working out our own salvation with fear and trembling (Phil 2:12). It is related putting on the whole armor of God (Eph 6:10), resisting the devil (1 Pet 5:7), and running with patience the race that has been set before us (Heb 12:1-2). It involves cleansing ourselves of "all filthiness of the flesh and spirit," and perfecting holiness in the fear of the Lord (2 Cor 7:1).

In order to accomplish these things, we must have powerful constraints. Scripture apprizes that hope provides the incentive. "And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure" (1 John 3:1). When we are persuaded the Lord's return will be to our blessing, our strength and determination are increased, making us adequate for the good fight of faith. But when that hope wanes, our effort declines, and life becomes overwhelming. Jesus "endured the cross" in anticipation of the joy set before Him (Heb 12:2). You will also endure when the joy awaiting you is ever before you.