And because we have been made right before God, through an assurance of hope, we now abide in peaceful habitations in Christ. Through Christ’s redemptive work, we can boldly approach God in a new and living way.  We are firmly anchored in the grace of Christ, through faith, exulting in a procession of joy, with the confident assurance of God’s unchangeable character. But greater still, when pressures arise on all sides, we can delight in knowing that God has secured our hearts for the long haul, which enables a steadfast character. And this fortified buttress produces an unshakable hope for our eternal future, because he has lavished our hearts in grace, with the offering of his love, through the gift of the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:1-5; Dr. Caroline Franks).

These powerful passages claim that the believer’s hope is anchored in faith and not their circumstances. Because of Christ, we are true worshippers entering God’s presence, ready and prepared to give him the weight of our lives and the access code is to rejoice. Paul states that when one rejoices or exults amid trials and suffering this forms endurance for the long haul. As Christians we have pressures from all sides to conform to the world and the tendency is to give up, but as the church community stands the test of time, our character is deepened in Christ to produce a hope that will never disappoint nor put us to shame because God’s love has been infused into our heart. It is a done deal!

Paul wanted the Jews to know that it was not their ethnic descent from Abraham that counted, it was a spiritual matter altogether, because both Jews and Gentiles were now grafted into the kingdom of God. We are all one in Christ, no matter our ethnicity and socioeconomic background and can become a part of God’s family in Jesus Christ. Jesus has opened the gateway to salvation through God’s grace. Christians have a reason to hope because of our justification by faith, in Christ. This confident assurance of hope, rests in the promise of being ushered into the kingdom of God, both in the here and now, and belongs only to the unchangeable character of Christ, so that we may all abide in this new, peaceable, dominion of God.

Abraham is a prime example of the believer’s hope restored, endured, and anticipated. He left his hometown to enter an unknown territory, but God promised to be with him and bless him abundantly so that he could bless the nations (Genesis 12:3). Paul references to Abraham’s unwavering faith in Romans 4:20, “No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.” As we place our joyful hope in the Creator of the universe, this assurance of hope will never disappoint us; and our perseverance in Christ’s restored hope anchors us for kingdom living here on earth, so that we look forward to God working all things together for his glory by making all things new.

Reflection:

• Do you boldly approach God in your time of need?
• Is your hope anchored in your circumstances or your faith in Christ?

Dear Father,

Help us to boldly approach you in our time of need, for you see us through the perfection of Christ. Help us to see ourselves safe at home in your grace so we may encounter the power and beauty of your love poured into our heart through the gift of the Holy Spirit.

In Jesus name,

Amen!

Blessings,

Dr. Caroline