Within the heart of every person there is a longing for hope.
- hope that inspires
- hope that ensures
- hope that endures
The word “hope” is used nowadays in phrases such as, “I hope so.” For example, someone might ask you if you are going to join them for dinner. Because you know you have a very busy afternoon and evening already planned yet you really want to go, you might say, “I hope so.” You are essentially saying, “I want it to occur, but not sure if it will.”
That kind of hope is much different than the way the Bible uses the word “hope.” In the Bible, the word “hope” when it is referring to God or the way we relate to God means “absolute confidence.” It is a certain hope. The only lasting hope we have is found in Christ. The only eternal hope we have is found in Christ. The only true living hope that we have is found in Christ.
We have a living hope because of our new birth!
Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. According to His great mercy, He has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. (1 Peter 1:3)
We praise God who is our Heavenly Father and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ because He has given us new birth. Even though we were spiritually dead in our sins, He has given us new birth through Christ.
- He gave us new birth according to His mercy, not because we deserved it
- He gave us new birth through the resurrection of Jesus from the dead
- He gave us new birth that gives us a living hope
We have a living hope because we have an inheritance kept in heaven for us!
…and into an inheritance that is imperishable, uncorrupted, and unfading, kept in heaven for you. You are being protected by God’s power through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. (1 Peter 1:4-5)
We have a living hope on earth because we know that we will spend eternity with God in heaven. As born again believers in Jesus, we recognize that we are temporary residents on earth but permanent residents in heaven. As a matter of fact, our reservations in heaven are already confirmed.
It is a good feeling when you arrive at a hotel for check-in and they are able to find your reservation. Because the reservation was made in advance, when you arrive you can get your key right away and go right into your room. And as a matter of fact, because you have advanced reservations, even the trip from your home to the hotel is worry free about where you will sleep that night because your reservation is confirmed.
In a similar but much stronger way, when you place your faith in Jesus Christ, God writes your name in the Lamb’s book of life. He essentially writes down your reservations in heaven, and reserves you a place for all of eternity. Here are a few words the Bible uses to describe your eternal inheritance.
- inheritance that is imperishable
- inheritance that is uncorrupted
- inheritance that is unfading
- inheritance that is kept in heaven for you
- inheritance that is protected by God’s power
- inheritance that is guaranteed by your faith in Jesus for salvation
- inheritance that will be revealed at the last time
Because your reservation in heaven is confirmed by God, you can endure and even enjoy the journey of life, the “trip” from here to there. That is a living hope.
We have a living hope because our trials have a purpose!
You rejoice in this, though now for a short time you have had to struggle in various trials so that the genuineness of your faith—more valuable than gold, which perishes though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 1:6-7)
God is in control of the events of history. He is in control of world events and He is in control of the details of our lives. And at His very core, God is good. When you experience trials of life, you can be full of hope even though the trials themselves may be difficult. You have a living hope because your trials have a purpose.
What is that purpose?
- Your trials prove that your faith in Christ is genuine
- Your trials purify you (similar to a goldsmith purifying gold)
- Your trials result in you giving praise, glory and honor to Jesus
As followers of Jesus Christ, we have a living hope!
- new birth!
- inheritance kept in heaven for you!
- trials have a purpose!
Derek, thank you for reminding us that our trials have a purpose. I believe that sometimes, we are given trials so we can minister to someone else who crosses our path later going through the same trial we have already endured. We may be able just to listen with understanding, or we may be able to be of help in other ways.