Not only that, but we ourselves who have the Spirit as the firstfruits — we also groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. Now in this hope we were saved. (Romans 8:23-24)
Paul reminds us of the fallen state of the world, and not just the physical world, but us along with it. You don’t need to look very far to see pain and suffering, injustice and unfairness, broken relationships and selfishness. We believers see, experience, and are so deeply pained by the fallenness of this world–it hurts and we simply do not like it, with the deep desire for redemption as the groans emerging from the depths of our souls. Even though we are face-to-face with the current world, Paul reminds us of the hope that we have for our adoption as sons and redemption of our bodies that is promised and planned by God.
Often when we think of hope, there is a sense of uncertainty in which we concede that the outcome could be either desirable or undesirable. Of course, we hope that all outcomes are desirable for ourselves. We hope that things turn out well in relationships, finances, school, or other areas of our lives. However, the hope that these verses are talking about are not this version of hope. It is not a wish projection in which we rejoice if things turn out well or shrug our shoulders or are disappointed if they don’t.
What this hope is, is an assured hope in which we know and are certain the outcome. This hope is an assurance to us, first, because of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. On the cross, Christ defeated death and paid the payment for our sins. Through faith alone by grace alone, we can receive this free gift. Second, as believers, we are given the Holy Spirit in us as the downpayment on the kingdom of heaven. Our account balance is met because of Jesus and are given assurance to look forward to through the Holy Spirit. Lastly, the Spirit himself is the Encourager, in that despite the fallenness of the world, we can go to the Father, praying, “Your kingdom come,” even when our own hearts are far from God or find difficulty understanding the suffering we will endure.