Galatians 5:5 – “For through the Spirit we eagerly await by faith the righteousness for which we hope.”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

This verse contrasts the life of a believer with the life of someone who is trying to earn righteousness through religious laws. Paul has been warning the Galatians not to fall into legalism—thinking that following the Jewish law, including circumcision, is necessary for salvation. Instead, he reminds them how true righteousness comes: not by human effort, but by faith, through the Holy Spirit.

Paul says that believers “eagerly await” righteousness. This means that righteousness is something both present and future. Through Jesus, believers are already declared righteous (justified), but we are still waiting for the full reality of that righteousness to be revealed when Christ returns.

This righteousness does not come through human works—it comes through the Spirit and by faith. Paul is emphasizing that our standing with God is not based on keeping religious laws but on trusting in Jesus and being led by the Holy Spirit.

Historical Context

The Galatian Christians were being pressured by false teachers, known as Judaizers, who taught that faith in Jesus wasn’t enough. They insisted that Gentile (non-Jewish) believers had to follow Jewish customs, including circumcision, to be truly accepted by God.

Paul wrote this letter to refute that false teaching. He had already made it clear that the law was never meant to make people righteous—it was meant to show people their need for a Savior (Galatians 3:24). Now that Jesus had come, righteousness was no longer based on following the law but on trusting in Him.

Paul’s words in this verse point to the work of the Holy Spirit. Unlike the law, which demanded human effort, the Spirit produces faith and righteousness in the lives of believers. Paul wanted the Galatians to understand that the true Christian life is about waiting in faith and hope, not striving to earn salvation.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches key truths about salvation, righteousness, and the role of the Holy Spirit:

1. Righteousness is by faith, not works – We do not earn righteousness by following religious rules; we receive it through faith in Christ.
2. The Holy Spirit is active in salvation – It is the Spirit who enables believers to trust in Christ and live in hope.
3. Salvation is both present and future – We are already declared righteous (justified), but we still look forward to the final fulfillment of that righteousness when Jesus returns.

Paul’s focus on faith and hope reminds us that salvation is not about what we do—it’s about trusting in what Jesus has done and looking forward to what He will do when He returns.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s wording in this verse is intentional and powerful:

• “Through the Spirit” – This shows that righteousness is not something we achieve by our own effort; it is the result of the Holy Spirit’s work in us.
• “We eagerly await” – The Greek word for “await” (ἀπεκδέχομαι, apekdechomai) implies patient expectation. It’s not passive waiting but a deep hope in something sure to come.
• “By faith” – Faith is the opposite of trying to earn righteousness by works. Paul emphasizes that righteousness comes through trusting in Christ.
• “The righteousness for which we hope” – This phrase captures both the present and future aspects of salvation. We are righteous in God’s sight now, but we still long for the full experience of that righteousness when Jesus returns.

Paul’s language is full of confidence. He wants the Galatians to understand that righteousness is already theirs in Christ, and they can wait for its final fulfillment with joy and hope.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Romans 8:23-25 – “Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies.” This passage echoes the idea of eagerly awaiting the full realization of our salvation.
• Philippians 3:9 – “And be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.” Paul affirms that righteousness comes through faith, not works.
• Hebrews 11:1 – “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Faith and hope go hand in hand in the Christian life.
• Titus 3:5 – “He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.” This verse highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in salvation.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse is a great reminder that we don’t have to strive to earn God’s approval. Many people today still feel pressure to prove themselves to God by being “good enough.” But Paul’s message is clear: Righteousness comes by faith, through the Spirit, not by human effort.

At the same time, this verse teaches us about hope. We live in a world full of sin, suffering, and brokenness, but we can be confident that one day, Christ will return and complete what He has started. Our salvation is secure, and we wait eagerly for the day when we will fully experience the righteousness He has given us.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This verse shows that God is a giver, not a taskmaster. He doesn’t demand that we work hard to earn righteousness—He gives it freely through His Spirit.

A loving God doesn’t leave His children in a constant state of fear and striving. Instead, He assures us that we are already accepted and that He will complete the work He has begun in us. His love is seen in the certainty of our salvation—because it is based on His grace, not our performance.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse ties directly to the work of Jesus:

1. Jesus is the source of our righteousness – We are justified by faith in Him, not by works of the law (2 Corinthians 5:21).
2. Jesus gives us the Holy Spirit – After His resurrection, Jesus sent the Spirit to guide and transform believers (John 16:13-14).
3. Jesus will complete our salvation – We are waiting in hope for His return, when we will be made fully righteous in every way (Philippians 3:20-21).

Because of Jesus, we do not have to fear or strive—we can trust in what He has done and look forward to what He will do.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Do you ever feel like you have to “earn” righteousness? How does this verse challenge that thinking?
2. What does it mean to “eagerly await” righteousness? How can we live with that kind of hope?
3. How does the Holy Spirit help us live in faith, instead of relying on our own efforts?
4. What are some ways we can remind ourselves to trust in God’s grace instead of our own performance?
5. How does this verse give us confidence about the future?

Paul’s message in Galatians 5:5 is clear: We are made right with God by faith, through the work of the Holy Spirit. Instead of striving to earn righteousness, we can live with joyful confidence, knowing that God has already made us His own—and that He will finish the work He started. This is the freedom of the gospel.