Galatians 5:5
“For we through the Spirit, by faith, are waiting for the hope of righteousness.”
Paul is making a point about the proper way to enter a relationship with Christ. All agree that it's through Christ. What the Galatians have done is adopt some aspects of the Law mixed in with faith in Christ. He's saying no. This verse is referring to those who have done it right. Their relationship with Christ is complete and perfect. Nothing else needs be added. They are waiting for the hope of righteousness.
The word hope in the Bible is different. It's not something wished for, but a reality that will happen, but just hasn't yet. This hope of righteousness will be fulfilled for the believer.
What is righteousness? In a biblical sense it's referring to a right standing with God. If one is righteous, then that one is right with God. Jesus' sacrifice makes one righteous.
What is the hope of righteousness? It's referring to the end of our time on earth as we enter God's actual presence in heaven. It's the fulfillment of a life of faith that began when one receives Christ. I like the analogy of a hike. The beginning is when one becomes a christian; the trail is entered. The path ascends upward. Sure we run into valleys of darkness, but eventually the path continues upward. The believer gets ever closer to the Lord as life goes on, so the hike goes higher and higher. The end of life can be compared to the conclusion of the hike. It's like heaven and earth are separated by a stream that's two feet wide. One side is our life here and the other side is where God is and all those who went before us. We simply step over the stream. The hope of righteousness is complete.
Here on earth we walk with the Lord, we read the Bible, He gives us insight, we obey, He blesses us and on and on. It's a wonderful life. However, this relationship is limited. I Corinthians 13:12 says it this way, "For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known." When we enter Heaven, the limits of earth will be done away with.
While we are righteous in Christ and reconciled to God, the hope of righteousness is the time when we are united with God in Heaven. It's the completion of what was started at our regeneration.
Paul is telling the Galatians that in Christ, all is complete, we enjoy a great relationship with the Lord now and when we die, we step over into Heaven and continue that relationship. Nothing needs be added to our faith. It's complete now.
Lord, thank You that it is finished. Our relationship with You was secured at the cross. All we needed to do was to accept it. Thank You for the wonderful fellowship we experience with You now. We look forward to this hope of righteousness, when we are face to face.