Being justified (right with God) by faith in Jesus leads the believer into much more blessing. There is peace with God (v1) and then the wonderful hope of coming into the glory of God (v2) which finds final fulfilment in heaven. Behind what happens to them in this life, Christians see a plan at work even in difficult days which prepares them for this (v3-4). When the Bible speaks of hope it means something absolutely certain of being fulfilled. The Christian’s certainty comes from the Holy Spirit making us aware of God’s love (v5).

God’s love is truly amazing. We see this from the cross. It was while we were still bound in the sin that is so detestable to God, that Jesus died for us (v6-8). God knew the worse about us; His response was love that sent His Son.

You can see Paul getting excited by this theme. Paul wants us to be aware that if as enemies we received such wonderful reconciling love through Jesus’ death, Jesus lives  to  give  to  those  who  are  now  His friends blessing upon blessing (v9-10). Jesus lives to watch, protect and meet all the needs of those He died to save. Have we not someone to rejoice about constantly (v11)?