Galatians 5:5
For we through the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.
Truth to Learn
Unlike those who think they can earn their righteousness, we eagerly wait for the day of our complete righteousness.
Behind the Words
“Eagerly wait for” is translated from the Greek word apekdechomai, which is a compound word made up of apo, used as an intensifier and ekdechomai, which means “to expect something” or “to look for.” Hence, this word refers to one who is waiting to receive something with intense expectation.
The word translated “hope” is elpis, which refers to “the desire of some good, with full expectation of receiving it.” It is not, as the English word implies, something that is uncertain but hoped for. It refers to something that is fully expected.
We can clearly see through the use of apekdechomai and elpis that Paul is talking about something that is certainly going to happen and is clearly expected.
The words “by faith” at the end of the verse, describe “eagerly wait for,” not “hope of righteousness.” Paul is saying that by faith we eagerly await with expectation our coming state of righteousness.
We are all sinners whether we’re saved or not. That’s what Paul tells us in Romans:
As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one;” (Romans 3:10)
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (Romans 3:23)
The difference between Christians and non-Christians is that we Christians have been legally declared to be righteous by God. Those who reject Christ do not have this legal righteousness. In actuality, right now we are not righteous, we are sinners. One day, however, we will appear before our God and Maker as His completely righteous sons and daughters. This is the hope of righteousness that Paul talks about here.
Paul starts off this verse with “For we” as a comparison to the preceding statement. Notice the contrast between “you” in the previous verse and “we” in the current verse.
You who are justified through law …
vs.
We, through the Spirit, by faith …
There is no faith involved in earning righteousness through obeying laws or rules. Instead, it is a works oriented salvation. Those who try to earn their righteousness by obeying the law think that by their good deeds they will obtain righteousness, but they won’t. We, on the other hand, have already been declared righteous and we eagerly look forward to that day when we will appear before our Heavenly Father with the righteousness of Christ.
Application
Do you eagerly look forward to the day you will stand before Almighty God as part of the pure and spotless bride of Christ? If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, through faith alone, then your answer should be a resounding, “Yes!”
In God’s service, for His glory,
Copyright © 2008 Will Krause. All rights reserved.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
If this message or this link was forwarded to you by a friend and you wish to receive future verses directly to your inbox, you can call the church phone (618) 614-3070 and leave a message telling us your name and e-mail address or you can send an e-mail to: