Hope in Christ

Richard Hollerman

We realize that one of the most dreadful feelings that we may have is that of hopelessness. In contrast, hope is positive and uplifting. We may refer to a medical test that we have and, in such a case, and we hope for a better outcome. Or it may be a school or work examination. We do hope for a better outcome, filled with a bit of optimism.

One dictionary defines the word in this way: “To wish for something with expectation of its fulfillment.” It also means, “To look forward to with confidence or expectation” and “to expect and desire.” (The American Heritage College Dictionary.)  The Bible adds to this and presents “hope” with a more positive note. It has been defined as “desire plus expectation.” We desire a resurrection by Christ and we expect that this will occur. Therefore, our hearts are filled with hope for this grand eventuality!

Notice several of our favorite references to “hope.” In 1 Timothy 1:1 we read of “Christ Jesus, who is our hope”! Why does it read this way? He is our “hope” inasmuch as He gives us something to hope for—and lays a foundation upon which the hope rests. He has been raised from the dead by the power of God and His new life in the Spirit instill us with a full confidence in the Lord!

We also read of “Christ in you,” who is “the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27). Not only is Jesus our “hope,” but He is our “hope of glory” because of Him and His saving work on the cross and His resurrection from the dead, we will be glorified by the grace and power of God! We can see why we should “rejoice in hope”! Hope is not a “wish” (as one above dictionary definition has it) but a confident expectation that rests on God’s power and is centered in Christ!

Notice also: Romans 8:24-25; 12:12; Hebrews 10:23; 11:1; 1 Peter 3:15; 1Thessalonians 1:3; and Ephesians 1:18.

No wonder that Peter speaks of “the steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:3). Jesus is the reason that we have hope for the future. Do you and I have this hope? Let’s remember that Paul writes of “the hope of eternal life” (Titus 1:2; cf. see also 3:7).

Eternal life is a gift that God will grant and we confidently expect it to be given! Obviously the only way we can have a hope in Christ Jesus is to have Him! Do we know His salvation? Do we have our confidence entirely fixed on Him—and on His saving works?