Christian Hope
The idea of hope is the recognition that in Christ is found the fulfillment of the Old Testament promises (Matthew 12:21, 1 Peter 1:3).
- Christian hope is rooted in faith in the divine salvation in Christ (Galatians 5:5).
- Hope of Christians is brought into being through the presence of the promised Holy Spirit (Romans 8:24-25).
- It is the future hope of the resurrection of the dead (Acts 23:6), the promises given to Israel (Acts 26:6-7),
- The redemption of the body and of the whole creation (Romans 8:23-25), eternal glory (Colossians 1:27).
- Eternal life and the inheritance of the saints (Titus 3:5-7).
- The return of Christ (Titus 2:11-14), transformation into the likeness of Christ (1 John 3:2-3)
- The salvation of God (1 Timothy 4:10) or simply Christ Himself
(1 Timothy 1:1).
The certainty of this blessed future is guaranteed through the indwelling of the Spirit (Romans 8:23-25), Christ in us (Colossians 1:27), and the resurrection of Christ (Acts 2:26). Hope is produced by endurance through suffering (Romans 5:2-5) and is the inspiration behind endurance (1 Thessalonians 1:3; Hebrews 6:11). Those who hope in Christ will see Christ exalted in life and in death (Philippians 1:20). Trustworthy promises from God give us hope (Hebrews 6:18-19), and we may boast in this hope (Hebrews 3:6) and exhibit great boldness in our faith (2 Corinthians 3:12). By contrast, those who do not place their trust in God are said to be without hope (Ephesians 2:12, 1 Thessalonians 4:13).
Along with faith and love, hope is an enduring virtue of the Christian life (1 Corinthians 13:13), and love springs from hope (Colossians 1:4-5). Hope produces joy and peace in believers through the power of the Spirit (Romans 12:12; 15:13). Paul attributes his apostolic calling to the hope of eternal glory (Titus 1:1-2). Hope in the return of Christ is the basis for believers to purify themselves in this life (Titus 2:11-14, 1 John 3:3).
