What is hope? Think of it like this, hope is the personal expectation of rescue that comes from outside the situation or difficulties in which we find ourselves. Biblical hope, however, is knowing without question that the rescue is coming and nothing can stop it. Not even death! Why? Because we have a living hope.
Consider what the apostle Peter wrote in his first epistle: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ…” 1 Peter 1:3-7.
I know that’s a lot to take in but it is so important for us to truly own the truth that we have a living hope that is found in the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ. We are not on our own in this life of fiery trials. We are part of God’s house and are afforded the protection and safety that comes with that relationship, even in death. “Therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God…” Ephesians 2:19. I guess you could say that membership has its privileges. Over the next few weeks we are going to be looking into this thing called hope. Next week we will continue with Our Victorious Hope we possess in Jesus Christ.