“Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). By obedient faith, we gain access to the hope made possible only by the Good News of Jesus Christ (cf. Hebrews 11; Hebrews 5:8–9; 1 Corinthians 15:1–4; 1 Peter 1:3–5).
To the church in Rome, Paul wrote of the hope of the glory of God. “By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God” (Romans 5:2).
To the churches of Galatia, he wrote of the hope of righteousness. “For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith” (Galatians 5:5).
To the Ephesian church, he spoke of the hope of God’s calling. “The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints” (Ephesians 1:18).
To the Colossians, the same apostle made mention of the hope of the gospel and the hope of glory. “If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel” (Colossians 1:23a). “To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory” (1:27).
To the church in Thessalonica, Paul penned of the hope of salvation. “But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation” (1 Thessalonians 5:8).
In writing to his son in the faith Titus, he twice highlighted the hope of eternal life. “In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began” (Titus 1:2). “That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life” (3:7).
In harmony with all that Paul wrote of hope, the apostle Peter penned: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (1 Peter 1:3–5).
For what do you hope? Do you have this hope?
Clifton Angel preaches for the Coldwater church of Christ in Coldwater, MS. For free Bible Correspondence Courses and In-Person Bible Studies, Emailus@coldwatercofc.com, or call us at 662-622-7951
