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Hope may be defined as the reasonable expectation of something better. Hope is not a baseless wild dream, but is based upon evidence, and in a spiritual context, is based upon faith. Hope has the capacity to see men through the darkest of days if only a reasonable expectation of a brighter day awaits. Hope is the antithesis of despair and is always attended by a "can do" attitude, not because of the conditions that prevail now, but because of what we expect to exist in the future.

Paul, through frequently in troubles and persecutions, did not despair, but persevered through hope. However, the object of his hope was literally out of this world. Concerning this he said, "If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable." (1 Corinthians 15.19). By the expression "this life" he simply meant this earthly existence. Hence, Paul clearly explained that the basis for his expectation for a brighter day was not in this material universe; rather, the basis for his hope was yet in his future existence after the resurrection.

Paul clearly recognized that there were some who did not have this same hope. He wrote to the brethren at Thessalonica, "But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 4.13-14). For some, the lack of hope was a result of ignorance while for others, their lack of hope was a result of having despaired to the point of giving up. To the Hebrew brethren, Paul wrote, "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful." (Hebrews 10.23).

To the soul, the loss of hope is like the loss of the anchor to a ship; without hope there is no means nor reason to attempt to restrain one’s self against the savage storms of life. Again to quote the Hebrews writer, "This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil…" (Hebrews 6.19). The hope that sustains us in this life is grounded in the life that is to come. In reality, the sands of this earthly existence are all shifting sands and offer no hope of eternal blessings. On the other hand, the eternal shore upon which our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ abides is a place of realized hope and where man’s true purpose in life is attained.

As a summary, Peter’s words are cited: "Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 1.13). His words were written in difficult times in which believers were under the severest of persecutions; adversity awaited the Christian around every corner. The inspired advice was to "rest [set] your hope fully upon the grace [gift] that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. "Not here," Peter says, "but there, in Him!"

The blessings of hope accrue in the earthly and heavenly realms but the basis of the believer’s hope is entirely heavenly.

Questions:

1. Define hope. Distinguish hope from a dream.

2. Why would Paul say we are pitiable (pathetic) if our hope is in this life only?

3. Discuss the figure expressed in Hebrews 6.19 where hope is said to be the "anchor of the soul."

4. Why would Peter say that we should rest our hope fully upon the future gift? Why not rest it partially upon the future gift?

"The Way" from Kevin Pauley

A World of One