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Hope

Hope is a word often mentioned in the Bible. But what is it? What does it mean to have Christian hope?

In 1 Peter 1 v 3-7 we have a description of Christian hope.

Hope for the present (1 Peter 1 v 3)

Every Christian has sure and 'living' hope. But our hope for the present is rooted in the past.

• By Jesus' death and resurrection our salvation was secured.
• Through Jesus' death and resurrection our salvation is assured.

This means that now, in the present, we can know we have salvation. We can be absolutely sure because Jesus has given us 'new birth' by his 'great mercy' ... and that give us hope and confidence now ... and in the future.

Jesus is the only reason for our hope: Why?

• Because of the past - Jesus rose!
• Through the present - Jesus lives!
• In the future - Jesus is coming back!

Hope for the future (1 Peter 1 v 4-5)

We often worry about the future.

In 1 Peter 1 v 4-5 we are told that our future is sure and certain; it is 'kept in heaven' for us where it can 'never perish, spoil or fade'. Through faith in Jesus, we are continually kept and shielded by God until that day when we will receive our inheritance, the final completion of our salvation.

Because our future is secure and unchangeable in the hands of God,
we can look forward with hope and confidence.

Hope through our trials (1 Peter 1 v 6-7)

Suffering is a part of the Christian life (2 Tim 3 v 12). But Christian hope changes our perspective of suffering.

Hope in Christ for the present
Hope in Christ for the future ...
... will help us to look beyond our temporary suffering. We have an eternal inheritance in which we can rejoice.

The trials we experience now will refine us and create a purified, 'genuine faith' which is more precious and valuable that anything earthly and material. Jesus' return will not only bring an end to suffering (Rev 21 v 4) but will bring blessing 'praise, glory and honour.'

"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." Rom 8 v 18 (see also 2 Cor 4 v 17 - 18)

• So we can have hope in the present
• We can have hope for the future
• We can have hope, whatever trials we are facing

Because we know we have a living hope in Christ and a sure inheritance.

"And the God of all grace who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen" (1 Peter 5 v 10-11)

Sarah, Tunbridge Wells/Southampton

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