Topical Encyclopedia The concept of "Foundation: Hope of Saints" is deeply rooted in the Christian faith, emphasizing the assurance and expectation that believers have in their relationship with God through Jesus Christ. This hope is not a mere wishful thinking but a confident expectation based on the promises of God as revealed in Scripture.Biblical Basis The foundation of the hope of saints is primarily anchored in the person and work of Jesus Christ. In 1 Corinthians 3:11, the Apostle Paul declares, "For no one can lay a foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ" . This verse underscores that Jesus Himself is the cornerstone of the Christian faith, upon which all hope is built. The hope of the saints is further elucidated in Colossians 1:27, where Paul writes, "To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory" . Here, the indwelling presence of Christ in believers is identified as the hope of glory, signifying the future inheritance and eternal life promised to the saints. Nature of Hope Christian hope is characterized by its certainty and assurance. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as "the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see" . This hope is not based on human effort or circumstances but on the unchanging nature of God and His faithfulness to His promises. Romans 5:5 further explains, "And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us" . The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in affirming this hope within believers, providing a foretaste of the eternal life to come. Hope in Suffering The hope of the saints is particularly significant in the context of suffering and trials. Romans 8:18-25 speaks to this, with Paul asserting, "I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us" . This passage encourages believers to endure hardships with the assurance that their future glory far outweighs any present difficulties. Moreover, 1 Peter 1:3-4 praises God for giving believers "a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you" . This living hope sustains the saints, providing strength and perseverance amidst life's challenges. Eschatological Hope The hope of the saints also encompasses eschatological expectations, looking forward to the return of Christ and the fulfillment of God's kingdom. Titus 2:13 describes this as "the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ" . This anticipation of Christ's return motivates believers to live godly lives, as they await the consummation of their salvation. In Revelation 21:4, the ultimate realization of this hope is depicted: "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away" . This vision of a new heaven and a new earth encapsulates the ultimate hope of the saints, where they will dwell eternally with God. Conclusion The foundation of the hope of saints is firmly established in the person of Jesus Christ and the promises of God. It is a hope that transcends present circumstances, offering assurance of future glory and eternal life. Through faith, the indwelling Holy Spirit, and the anticipation of Christ's return, believers are sustained and encouraged to persevere in their journey of faith. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 87:1His foundation is in the holy mountains. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library That the Foundation and Strength of Hope and Faith is Fear. Perseverance of Saints. The Great Preparatives for the Saints' Rest. Against those who Fancy that in the Judgment of God all the ... Christ Pleads his Will All Saints' Day The Misery of those Who, Besides Losing the Saints' Rest, Lose the ... Wisdom and Revelation. Perseverance of Saints. The Church Militant 464. The Church's one Foundation Resources What is the Urantia book? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that Jesus and believers are living stones in 1 Peter 2:4-5? | GotQuestions.org What is the origin of Christianity? | GotQuestions.org Foundation: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Foundation: Decrees and Purposes of God Foundation: Doctrines of the Apostles Foundation: Figuratively Applied to Kingdoms Foundation: Figuratively Applied to The Earth Foundation: Figuratively Applied to The Heavens Foundation: Figuratively Applied to The Mountains Foundation: Figuratively Applied to The Ocean Foundation: Figuratively Applied to The World Foundation: First Principles of the Gospel Foundation: Joined Together by Corner Stones Foundation: Security Afforded By Foundation: Security of Saints' Inheritance Foundation: The Lowest Part of a Building, and on Which It Rests Related Terms Foundation-stone (1 Occurrence) |
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