Answers from church history on today's questions
What Christian writers said, from about AD 248 to 1938.
43 passages · 17 writers · 8 centuries
Writers on Romans 8:24-25 say hope is for what is not seen, since hope that is seen is not hope. They say that what is hoped for is awaited with patience. Augustine says that what we obtain in the washing of regeneration is the hope of salvation, and that we are said to be saved because this hope is certain. Wesley and Brown read "saved by hope" as salvation held so far in hope rather than in full possession, and Barnes reports that most commentators read it this way. Spurgeon says one wonders that the Revised Version does not read "We were saved in hope."
26 passages · 13 writers · 200s to 1900s
Augustine, Chrysostom, Calvin, Barnes, Newell, Maclaren, and Spurgeon write on hope for what is not seen and on waiting with patience.
c. 248–249 · Cyprian of Carthage, Three Books of Testimonies Against the Jews (Ad Quirinum) 3.45
That hope is of future things, and therefore that our faith concerning those things which are promised ought to be patient. In the Epistle of Paul to the Romans: “We are saved by hope. But hope that is seen is not hope; for what a man seeth, why doth he hope for? But if we hope for what we see not, we hope for it in patience.”
c. 386–398 · John Chrysostom, Homilies on the Epistle to the Romans 14
What great demand then doth God make upon thee, since He Himself giveth thee blessings quite entire from His own stores? One thing only, hope, He asks of thee, that thou too mayest have somewhat of thine own to contribute toward thy salvation. And this he intimates in what he proceeds with: “For if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.” As then God crowneth him that undergoes labors, and hardnesses, and countless toils, so doth He him that hopeth.
386–429 · Augustine of Hippo, Letters 55.4
Some, indeed, studying the words so frequently used by the apostle, about our being dead with Christ and raised together with Him, and misunderstanding the sense in which they are used, have thought that the resurrection is already past, and that no other is to be hoped for at the end of time: “Of whom,” he says, “are Hymenæus and Philetus; who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.” The same apostle who thus reproves and testifies against them, teaches nevertheless that we are risen with Christ. How is the apparent contradiction to be removed, unless he means that this is accomplished in us by faith and hope and love, according to the first-fruits of the Spirit? But because “hope which is seen is not hope,” and therefore “if we hope for that we see not, we do with patience wait for it,” it is beyond question that there remains, as still future, the redemption of the body, in longing for which we “groan within ourselves.”
c. 392–422 · Augustine of Hippo, Expositions on the Psalms (Enarrationes in Psalmos) 71.7
“In Thee is my singing alway.” Is it only from the time when I began to hope in Thee until now? Nay, but “alway.” What is, “alway”? Not only in the time of faith, but also in the time of sight. For now, “So long as we are in the body we are absent from the Lord: for by faith we walk, not by sight:” there will be a time when we shall see that which being not seen we believe: but when that hath been seen which we believe, we shall rejoice: but when that hath been seen which they believed not, ungodly men shall be confounded. Then will come the substance whereof there is now the hope. But, “Hope which is seen is not hope. But if that which we see not we hope for, through patience we wait for it.”
c. 399–422 · Augustine of Hippo, On the Holy Trinity (De Trinitate) 1.8.17
For we shall not seek anything else, when we shall have come to the contemplation of Him. But that contemplation is not yet, so long as our joy is in hope. For “hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it,” viz. “as long as the King sitteth at His table.” Then will take place that which is written, “In Thy presence is fullness of joy.” Nothing more than that joy will be required; because there will be nothing more than can be required. For the Father will be manifested to us, and that will suffice for us.
c. 421–422 · Augustine of Hippo, Enchiridion on Faith, Hope, and Love 8
Concerning hope, again, the apostle says: “Hope that is seen is not hope; for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.” When, then, we believe that good is about to come, this is nothing else but to hope for it.
c. 435 · Eucherius of Lyons, On Contempt for the World Eucherius to His Kinsmen Valerianus
The short fruition of a little is not so beneficial, as the expectation of plenty. But seeing that all the frail goods of this world are not onely seen of us, but also possessed by us, it is most manifest that hope cannot belong unto this world, in which we both see and enjoy those things we delight in: for hope that is seen is not hope; for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for [it]? [Rom 8:24] Therefore, however hope may be abased, and misapplied to temporal things, it is most certain that it was given to man and ordained for things that are eternal; otherwise it cannot be called hope, unless something be hoped for, which as yet— or for the present life — is not had. Therefore the substance of our hope in the world to come is more evident and manifest, then our hope of substance in the present.
1540 · John Calvin, Commentary on Romans 8.25
If then what we see not, etc. This is an argument derived from what the antecedent implies; for patience necessarily follows hope. For when it is grievous to be without the good you may desire, unless you sustain and comfort yourselves with patience, you must necessarily faint through despair. Hope then ever draws patience with it. Thus it is a most apt conclusion — that whatever the gospel promises respecting the glory of the resurrection, vanishes away, except we spend our present life in patiently bearing the cross and tribulations. For if life be invisible, we must have death before our eyes: if glory be invisible, then our present state is that of degradation. And hence if you wish to include in a few words the meaning of the whole passage, arrange Paul’s arguments in this way, “To all the godly there is salvation laid up in hope; it is the character of hope to look forward to future and absent benefits: then the salvation of the faithful is not visible. Now hope is not otherwise sustained than by patience; then the salvation of the faithful is not to be consummated except by patience.” It may be added, that we have here a remarkable passage, which shows, that patience is an inseparable companion of faith; and the reason of this is evident, for when we console ourselves with the hope of a better condition, the feeling of our present miseries is softened and mitigated, so that they are borne with less difficulty.
1540 · John Calvin, Commentary on Romans 8.24
Since hope extends to things not yet obtained, and represents to our minds the form of things hidden and far remote, whatever is either openly seen or really possessed, is not an object of hope. But Paul takes it as granted, and what cannot be denied, that as long as we are in the world, salvation is what is hoped for; it hence follows, that it is laid up with God far beyond what we can see. By saying, that hope is not what is seen, he uses a concise expression, but the meaning is not obscure; for he means simply to teach us, that since hope regards some future and not present good, it can never be connected with what we have in possession. If then it be grievous to any to groan, they necessarily subvert the order laid down by God, who does not call his people to victory before he exercises them in the warfare of patience. But since it has pleased God to lay up our salvation, as it were, in his closed bosom, it is expedient for us to toil on earth, to be oppressed, to mourn, to be afflicted, yea, to lie down as half-dead and to be like the dead; for they who seek a visible salvation reject it, as they renounce hope which has been appointed by God as its guardian.
1605–1610 · Johann Arndt, True Christianity 2.50
To this refers that passage of St. Paul, “Hope that is seen, is not hope; for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?” Rom. 8:24. Whosoever, therefore, places his hope upon anything that is visible, has not the invisible God for his support, but rests upon a shadow; and when the visible world, which is his basis, shall sink into nothing, by consequence his hope, that was built upon it, must sink and perish with it.
1650 · Richard Baxter, The Saints' Everlasting Rest (abridged by Benjamin Fawcett) 14
Should I not hope, if an honest man had promised me something in his power? And shall I not hope when I have the covenant and oath of God? It is true, the glory is out of sight; we have not beheld the mansions of the saints; but is not the promise of God more certain than our sight? We must not be saved by sight, but ‘by hope; and hope that is seen is not hope; for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.’ I have been ashamed of my hope in an arm of flesh, but hope in the promise of God ‘maketh not ashamed.’ In my greatest sufferings I will say, ‘the Lord is my portion; therefore will I hope in him. The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord; for the Lord will not cast off for ever; but though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion, according to the multitude of his mercies.’
1834 · Albert Barnes, Notes on the Bible: Romans 8.25
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; Co2 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 complaint.
1878 · Charles Haddon Spurgeon, Spurgeon's Sermons, Volume 24 (1878) 1438
Our hope, too, upon which we are to speak this morning, is special, because it is a hope which is laid up for us in Heaven. It is a hope, therefore, which the worldling cares not one whit about! He hopes that tomorrow may be as this day and yet more abundant, but he cares nothing for the land where time has ceased to flow. He hopes for riches or he hopes for fame—he hopes for long life and prosperity—he hopes for pleasure and domestic peace. The whole range of his hope is within the compass of his eyes! But our hope has passed beyond the sphere of sight, according to the word of the Apostle, "What a man sees, why does he yet hope for? But if we hope for what we see not, then do we, with patience, wait for it." Ours is a hope which demands nothing of time or earth, but seeks its all in the world to come!
1880 · Charles Haddon Spurgeon, Spurgeon's Sermons, Volume 26 (1880) 1532
When Paul had alluded to that consoling subject he turned to the next ground of comfort—namely, that we are to be sustained under present trial by hope. There is an amazing glory in reserve for us, and though as yet we cannot enter upon it, but in harmony with the whole creation must continue to groan and travail, yet the hope itself should minister strength to us, and enable us patiently to bear ‘these light afflictions, which are but for a moment.’ This also is a truth full of sacred refreshment: hope sees a crown in reserve, mansions in readiness, and Jesus himself preparing a place for us, and by the rapturous sight she sustains the soul under the sorrows of the hour. Hope is the grand anchor by whose means we ride out the present storm.
1881 · Charles Haddon Spurgeon, Spurgeon's Sermons, Volume 27 (1881) 1616
The sphere of hope is "things not seen." Hope that is seen is not hope, for what a man sees, why does he yet hope for it? Therefore, Brothers and Sisters, a Christian's real possession is not what he sees.
1881 · Charles Haddon Spurgeon, Spurgeon's Sermons, Volume 27 (1881) 1616
We must have something reserved for hope to feed on. We cannot have all of Heaven and yet remain on earth. Dearly Beloved, if you feel tormented by indwelling sin and your holiness seems battered and blotted, yet be fully persuaded that He who has promised is able to perform! Away, then, with judging by what you do, or see, or feel, or are! Rise into the sphere of the things which shall be.
1881 · Charles Haddon Spurgeon, Spurgeon's Sermons, Volume 27 (1881) 1616
I have advice from One whom I cannot doubt, even my Lord, that He has gone to Heaven to prepare a place for me and that He will come again and receive me to Himself! So sure is Hope of this fact, that she reckons it and makes comparisons and draws practical conclusions. A good old proverb tells us, "Never count your chickens before they are hatched," but here is a case in which you may count as accurately while the bird is in the egg as when it is fledged, for the Apostle says, "I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." He is so sure of it that he keeps a debtor and creditor account about it! He puts down the sufferings of this present time in his expenditures and the glory which shall be revealed among his assets—and he declares that the one is so vast and the other so utterly insignificant as not to be worth notice! No, he is not only so sure as to count upon it, but to groan after it! We that are in this body groan for the full adoption! Our groans do not arise from doubt, but from eagerness—we are urged, by our confident expectancy, to vehemence of desire!
1881 · Charles Haddon Spurgeon, Spurgeon's Sermons, Volume 27 (1881) 1635
Hope that is seen is not hope, but glorious is the faith which sees Him who is invisible and grasps the substance of the things not seen as yet! By this power I even now anticipate the joys of the upper skies. Try, Beloved, to do the same. O for more faith! It will be grand to know all Heaven, though you have not seen it and felt it, because you knew and trusted the Lord of Heaven! Up to now you have found the promise true—now trust the Lord for Glory as once you trusted Him for Grace—and you shall find, before long, that His richest promises are sure!
1892 · James Denney, The Expositor's Bible: The Epistles to the Thessalonians The First Epistle to the Thessalonians, II. The Thanksgiving
Patience is more than resignation or meek submission; it is hope in the shade, but hope nevertheless; the brave steadfastness which bears up under all burdens because the Lord is at hand. The Thessalonians had much affliction in their early days as Christians; they were tried, too, as we all are, by inward discouragements—that persistence and vitality of sin that break the spirit and beget despair; but they saw close at hand the glory of the Lord; and in the patience of hope they held out, and fought the good fight to the last.
1894 · Handley C. G. Moule, The Epistle of St. Paul to the Romans (The Expositor's Bible) 19
When the Lord laid hold of us we were indeed saved, but with a salvation which was only in part actual. Its total was not to be realized till the whole being was in actual salvation. Such salvation (see below, xiii. 11) was coincident in prospect with "the Hope," "that blessed Hope," the Lord's Return and the resurrection glory. So, to paraphrase this clause, "It was in the sense of the Hope that we were saved." But a hope in sight is not a hope; for, what a man sees, why does he hope for? Hope, in that case, has, in its nature, expired in possession. And our full "salvation" is a hope; it is bound up with a Promise not yet fulfilled; therefore, in its nature, it is still unseen, still unattained. But then, it is certain; it is infinitely valid; it is worth any waiting for. But if, for what we do not see, we do hope, looking on good grounds for the sunrise in the dark east, with patience we expect it.
1898 · Charles Haddon Spurgeon, Spurgeon's Sermons, Volume 44 (1898) 2579
Observe, first, that hope is the reason for waiting. "For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man sees, why does he yet hope for it? But if we hope for that which we see not, then do we with patience wait for it." Then, next, hope is the strength of waiting.
1898 · Charles Haddon Spurgeon, Spurgeon's Sermons, Volume 44 (1898) 2579
Waiting is always sweet when there is a hope at the end of it. The trip may be very long, but you pursue your way with willing footsteps because you hope to reach the shelter at the end. But make sure that your hope is a good hope, that it is a well-founded hope, that it is a happy hope, that it is a hope that "makes not ashamed," that it is a hope that fixes itself on Christ, alone, for if you have not that hope, you will not wait.
1904 · Charles Haddon Spurgeon, Spurgeon's Sermons, Volume 50 (1904) 2872
24, 25. For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man sees, why does he yet hope for it? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. This is our attitude and our condition now— waiting for the glory which is to be revealed in us and accepting the sorrow which is appointed to us as an introduction to the joy which is to come to us, mysteriously, through it.
1906 · Alexander Maclaren, Expositions of Holy Scripture: Genesis 50.26
Not less do we fret and fume and think the days drag with intolerable slowness, before some eagerly expected good rises like a star on our individual lives. But there is deep truth in Paul’s apparent paradox, that ‘if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.’ The more sure the confidence, the more quiet the patient waiting. It is uncertainty which makes earthly hope short of breath, and impatient of delay.
1938 · William R. Newell, Romans Verse-by-Verse 8
: For unto [a state of] hope were we saved: but hope that is seen is not hope: for who hopeth for that which he seeth? This places us, along with all creation, in hope. For, as verse 24 announces, unto [a state of] hope were we saved.
1938 · William R. Newell, Romans Verse-by-Verse 8
: But if we hope for that which we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. Now hope is expecting something better! The very fact that we have not seen it realized as yet, begets within us that grace which is so precious to God—patience. But note, it is not patience in the abstract that is set forth here: but patient waiting for the coming liberty of the glory of the children of God.
17 passages · 9 writers · 300s to 1900s
Augustine, Calvin, Wesley, Brown, and Spurgeon write on being saved by or in hope while salvation is not yet fully possessed.
c. 397–400 · Augustine of Hippo, Reply to Faustus the Manichaean (Contra Faustum) 11.7
Evidently what we obtain in the washing of regeneration is not the salvation itself, but the hope of it. And yet, because this hope is certain, we are said to be saved, as if the salvation were already bestowed. Elsewhere it is said explicitly: "We groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, even the redemption of our body. For we are saved by hope. But hope which is seen is not hope; for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for what we see not, then do we with patience wait for it."
413–426 · Augustine of Hippo, City of God 19.4
For if not yet safe, how could it be happy? And therefore the Apostle Paul, speaking not of men without prudence, temperance, fortitude, and justice, but of those whose lives were regulated by true piety, and whose virtues were therefore true, says, “For we are saved by hope: now hope which is seen is not hope; for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.” As, therefore, we are saved, so we are made happy by hope. And as we do not as yet possess a present, but look for a future salvation, so is it with our happiness, and this “with patience;” for we are encompassed with evils, which we ought patiently to endure, until we come to the ineffable enjoyment of unmixed good; for there shall be no longer anything to endure.
1548 · John Calvin, Commentary on Ephesians 1.14
Though we are now redeemed by the blood of Christ, the fruit of that redemption does not yet appear; for “every creature groaneth, desiring to be delivered from the bondage of corruption. And not only they, but ourselves also, who have the first-fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body;” for we have not yet obtained it, but by hope.
1559 · John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion 2.9.3
I lately observed that Christ had not left any part of our salvation incomplete; but from this it is erroneously inferred, that we are now put in possession of all the blessings purchased by him; thereby implying, that Paul was incorrect in saying, “We are saved by hope,” (Rom. 3:24). I admit, indeed, that by believing in Christ we pass from death unto life; but we must at the same time remember the words of John, that though we know we are “the sons of God,” “it does not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is,” (1 John 3:2). Therefore, although Christ offers us in the Gospel a present fulness of spiritual blessings, fruition remains in the keeping of hope, until we are divested of corruptible flesh, and transformed into the glory of him who has gone before us.
c. 1714 · John Evans, Commentary on Romans 8.17-25
] It is the adoption perfected and completed. The children of God have bodies as well as souls; and, till those bodies are brought into the glorious liberty of the children of God, the adoption is not perfect. But then it will be complete, when the Captain of our salvation shall bring the many sons to glory, Heb. ii. 10. This is that which we expect, in hope of which our flesh rests, Ps. xvi. 9, 10. All the days of our appointed time we are waiting, till this change shall come, when he shall call, and we shall answer, and he will have a desire to the work of his hands, Job xiv. 14, 15. (3.) The agreeableness of this to our present state, v. 24, 25. Our happiness is not in present possession: We are saved by hope. In this, as in other things, God hath made our present state a state of trial and probation—that our reward is out of sight. Those that will deal with God must deal upon trust. It is acknowledged that one of the principal graces of a Christian is hope (1 Cor. xiii. 13), which necessarily implies a good thing to come, which is the object of that hope. Faith respects the promise, hope the thing promised. Faith is the evidence, hope the expectation, of things not seen. Faith is the mother of hope.
1754 · John Wesley, Explanatory Notes on Romans 8.24
For we are saved by hope - Our salvation is now only in hope. We do not yet possess this full salvation.
1834 · Jonathan Edwards, Notes on the Bible heb-rev
How are we saved by hope, but as we are saved or justified by faith? It further appears that by hope here is meant faith, by the following words, “But hope that is seen is not hope,” &c. compared with the words of the same apostle, Heb. xi. 1. “Faith is the evidence of things not seen;” and by the next verse, “But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it,” compared with the 12th verse of the context in this 6th of Hebrews., “That ye be followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”
1834 · Albert Barnes, Notes on the Bible: Romans 8.24
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 are 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 Mat 8:25; Mat 16:25; Mar 3:4; Mar 8:35. 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 complaint. 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 what 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.
1834 · Albert Barnes, Notes on the Bible: Romans 8.19
Christians only have the prospect of deliverance. To them is held out the hope of final rescue, and of an eternal inheritance beyond all these sufferings. They wait, therefore, for the full benefits of the adoption; the complete recovery even of the body from the effects of sin, and the toils and trials of this life; and thus they are sustained by hope, which is the argument which the apostle has in view; Rom 8:23-24.
1858 · Charles Haddon Spurgeon, Spurgeon's Sermons, Volume 4 (1858) 196
All through Scripture we are told we are saved by faith, except in one passage, wherein it is said, we are saved by hope. Now note, how certain it is that religion must be a present thing if we are saved by faith, because faith and hope cannot live in another world. “What a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?” Hope cannot exist in that world of realities where shadows are unknown. How can faith be exercised when we see a thing? for what a man perceiveth by faith that he realises not by sense; and although we say “seeing is believing,” it is quite certain that seeing and believing are at opposite poles. Believing is an assurance of that which we see not, and in confidence of faith waiting until we do see it; but seeing is sensuous, and the very reverse of faith. Now if I am to be saved by faith, it is quite certain I must be saved in a state where faith can be exercised that is in this world; and if I am to be saved by hope, I cannot be saved by hope in that world where hope cannot exist; I must be saved here, for here is the only place where hope can breathe an air that lets it live. The air of heaven is too bright and pure, too heavenly, too warm, too sweet with angels’ songs, for faith and hope to inhabit. They leave us on this side of the Jordan; if then we are saved by these I think it follows—and every one of you must perceive the inference—we must be saved now, because faith and hope are not things of the future.
1868 · Charles Haddon Spurgeon, Spurgeon's Sermons, Volume 14 (1868) 788
We are saved by hope. The believer continues to hope for the time when death and sin shall no more annoy his body; when, as his soul has been purified, so shall his body be, and his prayer shall be heard, that the Lord would sanctify him wholly, body, soul, and spirit.
1871 · David Brown, Commentary Critical and Explanatory on Romans 8.24
For we are saved by hope—rather, "For in hope we are saved"; that is, it is more a salvation in hope than as yet in actual possession. but hope that is seen is not hope—for the very meaning of hope is, the expectation that something now future will become present.
1871 · David Brown, Commentary Critical and Explanatory on Romans 8.27
"The patience of hope" (1Th 1:3) is the fitting attitude for those who with the joyful consciousness that they are already "saved" (2Ti 1:9; Tit 3:5), have yet the painful consciousness that they are saved but in part: or, "that being justified by His grace, they are made (in the present state) heirs according to the hope (only) of eternal life," Tit 3:7 (Ro 8:24, 25).
1881 · Charles Haddon Spurgeon, Spurgeon's Sermons, Volume 27 (1881) 1616
One wonders that it is not so in the Revised Version—"We were saved in hope." It would prevent misapprehension if the passage were so rendered, for as that eminent critic, Bengel, well says, "the words do not describe the means, but the manner of salvation: we are so saved that there may even yet remain something for which we may hope, both of salvation and glory." Believers receive the salvation of their souls as the end of their faith and it is of faith that it might be of Grace. They are saved by faith and in hope.
1900 · Charles Haddon Spurgeon, Spurgeon's Sermons, Volume 46 (1900) 2693
"We were saved in hope." We are expecting that which is yet to be revealed and our Covenant Head is expecting, too! This is the age of expectancy. We have not yet come to the fullness of the blessing that is ours in Christ Jesus. The mercy of God is, at present, only in the bud—the fully-developed flower has yet to be seen. Christ is expecting. His saints are expecting.
1913 · Charles Haddon Spurgeon, Spurgeon's Sermons, Volume 59 (1913) 3345
And not only they, but ourselves, also, which have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. This is what we are looking for! Our manhood is not all soul—it is body, too! And here, as yet, this poor body seems to lie outside the gate, like Lazarus, while the soul rejoices in God. But its time of glorifying is coming!
1938 · William R. Newell, Romans Verse-by-Verse 8
Ourselves also, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan—Here then is a wonderful scene: (1) new creatures in Christ, whose citizenship is in heaven; (2) the presence of the Spirit within them as “firstfruits” of their coming inheritance—witnessing of it, giving them to taste of its glory; (3) a state of groaning despite all this; (4) a waiting for bodily redemption. Waiting for our adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body—The instructed Christian, knowing that his body belongs to the Lord, and is not yet redeemed, longs for, yearns for, groans for that day when his body will be placed in a position of openly acknowledged sonship and glory, even as his spirit now, is. Till that day he cannot be satisfied.
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