He Has Given Us Hope

Paul wrote in the great book of Romans that the “the things written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” (Rom.15:4).  To live for Christ is to live a life of hope! When we turn in obedience we have that hope, that we no longer have the guilt of sin and the corruption it brings. As a result  of this blessed  hope promised of  God we hold to  the reward of  hope in  gaining freedom from the penalty of sin throughout eternity. David, of long ago, put it this way: “Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.” (Psa.31:24). The inspired apostle Peter declared that we must “sanctify the Lord God in our hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear (reverence).” (1 Pet.3.15). No doubt about it, the Christian life has that hope and makes it possible for us to bear our burdens, to resist the temptations of life, and to void ourselves of all ungodliness and worldly lusts. Through the Scriptures we have the hope that enables us to care for the sick, to bury our dead, and to gather up the pieces of a shattered and hurt life, and build again on the solid foundation. By this hope we reach within the veil, even into Heaven itself, to lay hold upon Christ that we may live a life that is good, and “have it more abundantly.” (Jno.10:10). Please know that our hope is not a dead hope. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” (1 Pet.1:3).  With this hope in our hearts we can have strength, courage and patience in this life, and will comfort us in death. Then, we  have “an inheritance incorruptible, and  undefiled,  and  that  fadeth  not away,  reserved in Heaven for you.” (1 Pet.1:4). What a blessing!

            When we view eternal life, and then the life on this earth with its unrest, failing health, trials, disappointments  and  heartaches, we  see the  longing to get away from the sufferings of this life and enjoy the blessings of the next life with God and all the redeemed! Paul made mention of this fact: “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain!” (Phil.1:21).  This  excites us, and  we desire even  more the reward of our hope we have through Christ. (1 Tim.1:1). Paul’s words in the book of Colossians is just another place to notice this hope. There is “the hope which is laid up for you in Heaven!” (Col.1:5). Then he spoke of the “hope of glory.” (Col.1:27).

            But,  the sad part of this is, there are some, maybe even you, who have not this hope, because  you  have  not  obeyed  the  Gospel of Christ.  The  plan  is  simple,  the  life is wonderful, and the reward is out of this world! All because He Has Given Us Hope.

. . . Fred  House