“We Are Saved By Hope”

Romans 8: 22-27

22. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.

23. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.

24. 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?

25. But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it

26. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

27. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

O

nce again, we must understand that in order to answer the question posed by the current series, we will have to have knowledge of exactly what salvation is. Therefore, the Lord prompted us to begin with “Salvation: What is It?” Unfortunately, most of us who speak of it are largely “clueless” as to what the Lord really requires and how to accomplish it.

An essential element of salvation is “hope.” Contrary to popular usage, this does not mean that in order to get, do, be or accomplish something, I “cross my heart and hope to die,” but rather, it means that I have confidence that the things I am promised of God are done.

So, we accept salvation through faith, meaning that our walk starts with “confidence” in Him. Since this is the way that we start out with Him, it remains the way that we must live.

If we have confidence in the Lord, we will “believe” Him and if we believe Him, we will not sin! The righteous life is so important to the Lord that we are taught to abstain from even the appearance of evil (that is, that which does not promote salvation.)

The definition of salvation is being delivered from “me”; flesh; sin; human nature. This is because the nature of the flesh is to do that which is contrary to the will of God. We must be “saved from” being a human being because “human beings” are selfish by nature.

We are not brought into salvation so that we might become evangelists, preachers, bishops, millionaires—or anything else. We are brought into salvation that God might care us for, that in exchange, we might be of service to Him. We will not submit ourselves to the Lord’s provision unless we commit ourselves to walking in the Spirit. Since this is a most “un-natural” thing for us, to do anything spiritual, we will have to undergo a total change.

You know, for years, the devil has deceived people into believing that the “problem” with salvation is the fact that one’s personal “freedoms” are “limited.” He would have us believe that it is perfectly “normal” for one to do whatever one pleases. The problem with either of these arguments is that both deal with what one does, as opposed to what one is. This has always been the “issue” with salvation—what Man is.

Man is born into the World a human mess! He is eternally separated from God with no hope—outside of Jesus! So, the entire salvation plan is designed to change Man, not to make him “less,” but to make him into what the Lord requires. Any ministry that is “about the Lord’s business” is going to require of its followers that which is going to make them “fittest for the kingdom.” This means that one can no longer “choose” his church according to his “likes” and “dislikes,” but if sincere, he must worship where he will be taught the principles of God.

Salvation is not a “contest,” but must be seen as Man’s responsibility to and privilege before God. It is the only appropriate response to the Savior of our lives.

Rest assured, it will take “confidence” to be saved, but the confidence of which we speak comes only through faith in Jesus. Once we accept salvation, our “work” begins. We become “charged” with allowing Jesus “free reign” to control our lives and any control given to Him will be given for flesh will never lay itself down for us to deny it.

Herein lies the essence of hope. We have a God Who offers Himself to an unworthy creation for the sole purpose of saving his life. Even with that “enticement,” that “creation” has no chance but for the confidence that he will be willing to invest in his Maker.