What does it mean that hope does not disappoint (Romans 5:5)?

Answer

In Romans 5, Paul explains some of the wonderful benefits of being justified (declared righteous) in God’s sight. But what does it mean when he says that “hope does not disappoint” «and hope does not make ashamed; because the love of God is poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who is given to us. », (Romans 5:5)?

The complete verse is “Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us” «and hope does not make ashamed; because the love of God is poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who is given to us. », (Romans 5:5, NKJV). In this context, Paul explains that we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ «Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. », (Romans 5:1); because of this, we stand in His grace and rejoice, looking forward to the revelation of His glory «through whom we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. », (Romans 5:2). As we eagerly anticipate and hope, we can even find joy in our tribulations «And not only that, but we also rejoice in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance. », (Romans 5:3a). We do not find joy in the tribulations themselves; instead, we rejoice in what they achieve in our lives. Paul outlines the sequence of outcomes from the challenges we face: “Knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance” «And nNot only that, but we also take pride in our tribulations: knowing that tribulation produces patience; », (Romans 5:3b, NASB). Facing hardship strengthens us and can empower us to endure even more.

Another term for perseverance is longsuffering—when we face tribulations, it can assist us in “suffering long” and persevering. Perseverance leads to proven character «and character, hope; and hope does not put us to shame, », (Romans 5:4a). Our character’s quality is examined in trials, and when we have persevered, our character is no longer theoretical; it is proven. Proven character leads to hope «and hope does not put us to shame, », (Romans 5:4b). When we have endured, and our character has been tested and shown to be faithful, that helps us to have a strong hope—not just a wish for something, but an expectation of what will surely come.

Lastly, Paul adds that “hope does not disappoint” «and hope does not put us to shame; because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. », (Romans 5:5) or “hope does not put us to shame” (ESV). This kind of hope is certain because it is based on God’s power, His promises, and His sacrifice (Romans 5:6-11) and not our own merits. This kind of hope is certain because of what He has achieved, not because of any effort on our part. Because Christ died for us «But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. », (Romans 5:8), we have been justified, and we willI will be delivered from the future wrath of God «Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. », (Romans 5:9). We were not saved based on our righteousness; instead, we were reconciled (given peace with God) even while we were enemies of God, and so we will be saved by His life «For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. », (Romans 5:10).

While each of us will encounter difficulties— even tribulations or trials— Paul helps us recognize that those circumstances are part of God’s plan for our growth. “Hope does not disappoint.” James offers a similar encouragement: “Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you face various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (James 1:2-4;NASB). Trials and difficulties are intended to yield an eternal benefit for believers. It is for this reason— “hope does not disappoint”— that we can and should rejoice always «Rejoice evermore. », (1 Thessalonians 5:16).

Sometimes it is helpful to have an example of how “hope does not disappoint” «and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. », (Romans 5:5), and Paul provides such an example for us in Philippians 4 as he explains that he has learned how to be content in any circumstances «Not that I speak inIn terms of desire: for I have learned, in whatever state I am, to be content with it.” (Philippians 4:11). He can handle modest means or prosperity, being full or hungry, having plenty or experiencing lack “I know both how to be brought low, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.” (Philippians 4:12). Whether in favorable or unfavorable circumstances, Paul had learned to persist because he understood that he “can do all things through Him who strengthens” “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13, ESV). The same one who empowered Paul to have that type of contentment and bravery empowers us, orchestrating all things for our benefit “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28), and that ultimate good is that we will become more like Christ. Because it is His power at work, we are aware that His type of “hope does not disappoint.”