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I’ve read Romans 5:5 for years while preaching a memorial service. . .
Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us (NASB1995).
When time touches eternity for each of us, will we be disappointed? In some sermons, after preaching about eternal hope, I wondered if the person being memorialized (won’t mention names) was in heaven.
How do we know if we have hope that won’t be disappointed when we see Jesus? Are we sure of our salvation?
A clue: Are we disappointed now? Romans 5:1-5 teaches how to have a thriving faith, and not be frustrated by life’s situations.
In Romans chapter four, Paul says that Abraham, having been justified by faith, existed as an example for us. We find assurance by faith (calm down if you thought I’m implying we can’t be assured of salvation).
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (v. 1).
Note that the first by-product of being justified by faith is peace, not great works or serving God. This is great news. When we find ourselves in distress, we don’t consider what we can do better — we understand the message of Romans 5 about finding peace through faith!!
Jesus gives us peace; we don’t have to work for it.
Living in peace indicates the vibrancy of our relationship with God, not that those in distress won’t find final rest in heaven, but that faith gives peace now.
How do we find peace on earth?
Through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God (v. 2).
The word translated as “introduction” literally means “free admission.” Again, no works are needed. Admission to God’s grace comes by faith in Jesus. When we understand the secret of the faith to grace to peace formula, we “exult.”
“Exult” can be translated as “boast.” Do we boast about Jesus, or do we play-act our self-importance, striving unsuccessfully for self-improvement with false hope in the flesh?
Peace, peace, peace — both now and eternity — a result of grace received by faith. If you don’t have it, ask for it and continue asking. We know by the message of Romans 5:1-5 that God wills for us to be at peace.
God’s peace has such strength and. . .
Not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope (vv. 3-4).
We can even “exult” or “boast” in our trials because we know they give perseverance, proven character, and hope.
This hope does not disappoint — be at peace!