For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.
…
For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. — Romans 8:20-21, 24-25

Hope in the Biblical sense is a word and concept that has only a passing resemblance to the word “hope” as it’s used in 2010. We hope a check comes in the mail; or that a bill doesn’t. We hope the Saints win the Super Bowl; or that our children stay healthy. Hope for us is a desire in the face of uncertainty.

Biblically, though, hope is different. In Romans 8:20, the creation “was subjected to futility.” In other words, someone subjected–and that word, “subjected,” is connotating authority and intent–creation to futility. There is a purpose and power in view in this subjection. Who is the “him,” then? It takes little exegesis: “he” is the only One outside of creation; the only One with power over creation; the “him” who is God. (Specifically, this is God the Father acting through Jesus the Son, who upholds creation through his existence.)

What does “hope” mean here, then, when God does something–subjects creation to humility–in hope? Is it possible that God hopes for his purposes in the same way we hope for that check or for our team’s success? The question is silly. There is more than just logical supposition to confirm that Biblical hope is different, too. In Romans 8:24 and 25, we are saved in this hope; we wait for this hope; and we do that waiting with patience. If our salvation is real, then hope is real. If our waiting is not in vain, then hope is not merely potential. If we are to be patient, then this hope must be sure.

Scripturally, hope is: the purpose of God not yet consummated; the construct in which our salvation rests; something we wait for with patience because we are confident in its arrival. This last has implications: for God to tell us to wait for something is, by the very nature of God’s truthfulness, to assure that something is coming; or else, God is nothing more than a cosmic tease.

What difference would this understanding of hope make to your personal theology? What difference would it make to mine? What difference would a patient, assured waiting create, in opposition to our timid, unsure, bated-breath clinging to a weak god who cannot bring his purposes to pass?

And now, O Lord, for what do I wait?
My hope is in you. — Psalm 39:7

Why are you cast down, O my soul?
and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
my salvation and my God. — Psalm 42:5

My soul longs for your salvation;
I hope in your word. — Psalm 119:81

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. — Romans 12:12

He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again. — 2 Corinthians 1:10

For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. — Galatians 5:5

…but Christ is faithful over God’s house as a son. And we are his house if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope. — Hebrews 3:6

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading… — 1 Peter 1:3, 4