A fourth element of joy is anticipation. Nothing can encourage a Christian so much as the knowledge that, despite lifeâs uncertainties and difficulties, and no matter how many spiritual defeats there may be long the way, one day he will be made perfect.Confident translates peitho, which here means to be persuaded of and have confidence in. Paulâs confidence was much more than human hope; it was the absolute confidence that comes from knowing and believing Godâs promise that He [God] who began a good work in him will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. Salvation is wholly Godâs work, and for that reason its completion is as certain as if it were already accomplished. . . .
