Believers are delivered from the great misery facing mankind of “having no hope,” Eph. 2:12. At least seven revealed certitudes are eagerly expected by Christians. All of them are doubtless comprehended in “the hope of His calling,” Eph. 1:18, “the hope which is laid up for you in heaven,” Col. 1:5. The seven are:
- The blessed hope of the personal return of Christ, Tit. 2:13.
- The resurrection of the body in a glorious new form, never again subject to sickness, weakness or death, Acts 23:6.
- The restoration of loved ones who have fallen asleep in Christ, 1 Thess. 4:13-18.
- Fellowship with converts and other saints, 1 Thess. 2:19.
- Being presented spotless, 2 Pet. 3:14 and faultless, Jude 24, in unutterable glory, Col. 1:27.
- Entering into eternal life with all it means, such as reigning with Christ, Rev. 3:21; 22:5, and knowing God, John 17:3.
- The receiving of an inheritance which is reserved in heaven until that moment, 1 Pet. 1:3, 4.
This exceedingly rich array of blessings is to believers a source of joy, Rom. 5:2; of comfort in sorrow, 1 Thess. 4:18; of confident assurance, Heb. 6:18, 19. It is an incentive to holy living, 1 John 3:3. Christians are said to be saved in hope, Rom. 8:24, RV, a hope based on the written Word of God, Psa. 119:49.
William Evans, The Great Doctrines of the Bible, (Chicago: Bible Institute Colportage Assoc., 1912), WORDsearch CROSS e-book, Under: “Hope”.
AMEN.