Topical Bible: Hope: Makes not Ashamed

◄ Hope: Makes not Ashamed ►

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Hope, as a theological virtue, holds a significant place within Christian doctrine and is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative. The phrase "hope makes not ashamed" is derived from Romans 5:5 in the Berean Standard Bible, which states, "And hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us."

Biblical Context and Meaning

In the context of Romans 5, the Apostle Paul is addressing the transformative power of faith and the resulting peace with God through Jesus Christ. The passage outlines a progression from suffering to perseverance, character, and ultimately hope. This hope is not a mere wishful thinking but a confident expectation based on the promises of God. It is a hope that is assured and steadfast, rooted in the reality of God's love and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.

The phrase "hope makes not ashamed" signifies that this hope will not lead to disappointment or disgrace. In the ancient world, shame was a powerful social force, often associated with unmet expectations or failure. However, the hope that believers have in Christ is secure and will not result in shame because it is anchored in the faithfulness of God.

Theological Significance

From a theological perspective, hope is one of the three theological virtues, alongside faith and love, as highlighted in 1 Corinthians 13:13. It is a gift from God that enables believers to look beyond present circumstances and trust in the future fulfillment of God's promises. This hope is both a present reality and a future expectation, providing believers with the strength to endure trials and the assurance of eternal life.

The assurance that hope "makes not ashamed" is grounded in the character of God. As Paul emphasizes, it is because "God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit." This divine love is the foundation of hope, ensuring that it is not based on human effort or merit but on the unchanging nature of God.

Practical Implications

For believers, the hope that does not disappoint has profound practical implications. It encourages perseverance in the face of trials, as seen in James 1:2-4, where believers are exhorted to consider it pure joy when facing trials, knowing that the testing of faith produces perseverance. This perseverance leads to maturity and completeness, underscoring the transformative power of hope.

Moreover, this hope fosters a sense of boldness and confidence in the Christian life. As stated in Hebrews 6:19, "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure." This imagery of an anchor conveys stability and security, enabling believers to remain steadfast amidst life's storms.

Hope in the Life of the Believer

In the life of the believer, hope is both a sustaining force and a source of joy. It is a hope that transcends circumstances, rooted in the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the promise of His return. As 1 Peter 1:3-4 declares, "He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you."

This living hope is dynamic and active, shaping the believer's outlook and actions. It inspires a life of holiness and service, as believers are called to be ready to give an answer for the hope that is within them (1 Peter 3:15). It is a hope that not only sustains but also propels the believer towards the ultimate goal of union with Christ in eternity.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 5:5
And hope makes not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given to us.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Two Kinds of Hope
... we may be sure that it is not given to ... simply consider these two sorts of hope, the
earthly ... an indefinitely expansible nature which ever makes him discontented ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/two kinds of hope.htm

The Spirit not Striving Always.
... Christian? Is it true that your hope makes not ashamed? Does it produce
such glorious fruits unto holiness as are here described? ...
/.../finney/sermons on gospel themes/xvi the spirit not striving.htm

What Use Heavenly Contemplation Makes of Consideration, the ...
... who pleads his blood before his father, and makes continual intercession ... hope in
an arm of flesh, but hope in the promise of God maketh not ashamed.' In my ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter xiv what use heavenly.htm

The Impossibility of Failure.
... But spiritual earnestness is the moral discipline that works hope, a hope that makes
not ashamed, but leads men on to an assured confidence that the promise of ...
/.../chapter vi the impossibility of.htm

'The Helmet of Salvation'
... The first word which the Gospel speaks to men and which makes it a Gospel, is not
Do this or that, but Take this from the ... That hope maketh not ashamed. ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/the helmet of salvation.htm

Description of the Perfect Man, or Gnostic.
... man just, so reward makes this one; or rather, makes him appear ... and patience experience,
and experience hope; and hope maketh not ashamed." [2897] For ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xxi description of the perfect.htm

Memory, Hope, and Effort
... bring us nearer to a future in which hope shall not be put ... all the divisions and
particles of his days, and makes Him the object of memory, hope, and effort ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/memory hope and effort.htm

Hebrews x. 32-34
... Not only (he means) were ye not ashamed of your ... For instance, the Resurrection has
not come, nor does it exist substantially, but hope makes it substantial ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxi hebrews x 32-34.htm

Firm to the End.
... robbed you of the only hope which makes death bearable ... But beyond that they know
nothing, hope nothing, believe nothing. ... to God, so that you need not be ashamed ...
/.../the life of duty a years plain sermons v 2/sermon liii firm to the.htm

On the Second Part of the Psalm.
... fear Him, which He consummates in those that hope in Him ... doth he bestow on the blind
man, who makes his eyes ... 8. "They shall not be ashamed in the evil time" (ver ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/on the second part of.htm