Rom 8:24-25 | Barnes | STEP | Verse 24. For we are saved by hope . It cannot be said that hope is the instrument or condition of salvation. Most commentators have understood this as meaning that we have as yet attained salvation only in hope; that we have arrived only to a condition in which we hope for future glory ; and that we are in an attitude of waiting for the future state of adoption. But perhaps the word saved may mean here simply, we are kept, preserved, sustained in our trials, by hope. Our trials axe so great that nothing but the prospect of future deliverance would uphold us; and the prospect is sufficient to enable us to bear them with patience. This is the proper meaning of the word save ; and it is often thus used in the New Testament. See . The Syriac renders this, "For by hope we live." The Arabic, "We are preserved by hope." Hope thus sustains the soul in the midst of trials, and enables it to bear them without a murmur. But hope that is seen . Hope is a complex emotion, made up of an earnest desire, and an expectation of obtaining an object. It has reference, therefore, to that which is at present unseen. But when the object is seen, and is in our possession, it cannot be said to be an object of hope. The word hope here means the object of hope, the thing hoped for. What a man seeth . The word seeth is used here in the sense of possessing, or enjoying. What a man already possesses he cannot be said to hope for. Why . How. What a man actually possesses, how can he look forward to it with anticipation ? (e) "hope for"

Romans 8:24-25

Verse 24. For we are saved by hope. It cannot be said that hope is the instrument or condition of salvation. Most commentators have understood this as meaning that we have as yet attained salvation only in hope; that we have arrived only to a condition in which we hope for future glory; and that we are in an attitude of waiting for the future state of adoption. But perhaps the word saved may mean here simply, we are kept, preserved, sustained in our trials, by hope. Our trials axe so great that nothing but the prospect of future deliverance would uphold us; and the prospect is sufficient to enable us to bear them with patience. This is the proper meaning of the word save; and it is often thus used in the New Testament. See Mt 8:25, 16:25, Mk 3:4, 8:3,5. The Syriac renders this, "For by hope we live." The Arabic, "We are preserved by hope." Hope thus sustains the soul in the midst of trials, and enables it to bear them without a murmur.

But hope that is seen. Hope is a complex emotion, made up of an earnest desire, and an expectation of obtaining an object. It has reference, therefore, to that which is at present unseen. But when the object is seen, and is in our possession, it cannot be said to be an object of hope. The word hope here means the object of hope, the thing hoped for.

What a man seeth. The word seeth is used here in the sense of possessing, or enjoying. What a man already possesses he cannot be said to hope for.

Why. How. What a man actually possesses, how can he look forward to it with anticipation ?

(e) "hope for" 2Cor 5:7 Verse 25. But if we hope, etc. The effect here stated is one which exists everywhere. Where there is a strong desire for an object, and a corresponding expectation of obtaining it--which constitutes true hope--then we can wait for it with patience. Where there is a strong desire without a corresponding expectation of obtaining it, there is impatience. As the Christian has a strong desire of future glory, and as he has an expectation of obtaining it just in proportion to that desire, it follows that he may bear trials and persecutions patiently in the hope of his future deliverance. Compared with our future glory, our present sufferings are light, and but for a moment, 2Cor 4:17. In the hope of that blessed eternity which is before him, the Christian can endure the severest trial, and bear the intensest pain without a murmur.