Secondly, because Jesus is Alive

For the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the foundation of our Hope. Peter says, “unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” (1 Peter 1:3d)

Dear readers, we have a living hope because we have eternal life in a Saviour who has conquered death Himself. The hope lives because it is set on an inheritance incorruptible, which can never fade away because it is reserved in heaven. This is a significant contrast to any inheritance on this earth! If Christ was not risen, then the apostles were liars, and our faith is vain! (1 Corinthians 15:14-15) If Christ was not risen, we are still held guilty for our sins, no forgiveness has occurred! (1 Corinthians 15:17) If Christ was not risen, those who have died as Christians have perished; they are lost! (1 Corinthians 15:18). If Christ was not risen, then we do not have a "living" hope, instead we are to be pitied by others (1 Corinthians 15:19). Yet, Jesus has risen from the dead and all those who believe, receive the benefits of His resurrection: justification and sanctification according to the Apostle Paul in his epistle to the Roman Christians.

Justification

In their justification, they derive three spiritual benefits (Romans 5:1-3):

Firstly, peace with God

“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1)

What kind of peace is Paul talking about here? The Bible mentions several kinds of peace. There is world peace. The United Nations has worked for it as the Old League of Nations did. They did not get anywhere in the past, and they\'re not getting anywhere today or in the future. Dear readers, as long as there is sin in the hearts of men, there will never be peace in the world – not until the Prince of Peace comes – Christ will bring peace on this earth! Thus, world peace is not the kind of peace that Paul is talking about here.

Then there is that peace which is known as tranquility of soul. That is the peace to which the Lord Jesus referred when He said to His disciples, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you …" (John 14:27) However, Paul is not referring to the peace of personal tranquility.

Then there is a third kind of peace which Paul mentions to the Philippian believers – "the peace that passeth all understanding." (Philippians 4:7) This is the kind of peace that Paul is talking about. The kind of peace that comes to the soul of one who has trusted Christ as Saviour and knows that God no longer has any charge against him, that he is no longer guilty. He knows that God, who had to be against him in the past, is now for him. He knows that he has a salvation that is permanent and eternal. This is the peace that comes because of sins forgiven and because everything is right between us and God. Notice that Paul mentions again and again that we have peace through the blood of Jesus Christ, which means that everything is all right between our soul and God or peace with God because of the blood of the Lamb which was slain before the foundation of the world! That is wonderful peace!

Secondly, access by faith

“By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” (Romans 5:2)

What access? The word “access" means that you and I have access to God in prayer. It is wonderful to have someone to go and talk to about yourself and about your problems and about your friends and your loved ones. Today, we as children of God have access to a heavenly Father who will listen to us here and who does answer our prayer. Though that does not mean He answers it the way we want it answered, but He always hears us and sometimes He shows that He is a good heavenly Father by saying \'no\' to us. It is because He always answers our prayers according to His infinite wisdom and for the pleasure of His will, not according to our will.

Thirdly, adoption

¹⁴ “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. ¹⁵ For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.” (Romans 8:14,15)

Here Paul is saying if we have the Spirit of God residing in us, there is not the spirit of fear within us. Instead, we are filled with joy because we have been adopted as His children! And the Spirit of God wells up within us, saying, "Abba, Father." The word “Abba” is an Aramaic word. It is actually a very personal word that could be translated "My Daddy!" Today, most of us don\'t use this word in reference to God because of the danger of becoming overly familiar with Him! However, most Christians today should be more personal and familiar in their prayer with God.

Sanctification (Philippians 1:6).

The second benefit in which believers receive through Christ’s resurrection is sanctification. The Apostle Paul says, “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” The phrase "being confident" (Philippians 1:6a) is causative and could be translated, "Since I am confident of this very thing" – Paul knew what he was talking about for he knew that “He [Christ] which hath begun…will perform...” (Philippians 1:6b) The word for "perform" means to carry through. It means Christ will consummate the work He began. What work? The work of sanctification in our salvation! And the work of sanctification is never finished until the day of Christ’s return! Today, we are living in the last days and Jesus may return to His people any time! That day will be consummated when He comes to take His own out of this world; that is also when the work of sanctification in us will end. When that day comes, the day of our Lord’s return, it is also the day of our glorification!

And.. What is glorification? ...To be continued next week.

Pastor Weng

More Lively Hope

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