Topical Bible: Hope: A Better Hope Brought in by Christ

◄ Hope: A Better Hope Brought in by Christ ►

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Hope, as a theological concept, is a profound assurance rooted in the promises of God, particularly as fulfilled through Jesus Christ. In the Old Testament, hope often centered on the anticipation of God's deliverance and the coming of the Messiah. However, with the advent of Christ, a "better hope" is introduced, transforming the nature and scope of hope for believers.

Old Testament Foundations

In the Hebrew Scriptures, hope is frequently associated with waiting on the Lord and trusting in His faithfulness. The psalmist declares, "Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God" (Psalm 42:11). This hope is characterized by a confident expectation in God's intervention and salvation.

The prophets also spoke of a future hope, often linked to the coming of the Messiah. Isaiah prophesied about a time when "the root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will seek Him, and His place of rest will be glorious" (Isaiah 11:10). This messianic hope was a cornerstone of Jewish expectation, looking forward to a time of peace and restoration.

The Advent of a Better Hope

With the coming of Jesus Christ, the nature of hope is fundamentally transformed. The Epistle to the Hebrews articulates this shift: "The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless (for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God" (Hebrews 7:18-19). This "better hope" is not merely an abstract concept but is embodied in the person and work of Christ.

Christ's life, death, and resurrection fulfill the messianic promises and establish a new covenant, offering believers a living hope. The Apostle Peter writes, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead" (1 Peter 1:3). This living hope is dynamic and transformative, grounded in the reality of Christ's victory over sin and death.

Hope as an Anchor

In the New Testament, hope is often depicted as an anchor for the soul, providing stability and assurance amidst life's uncertainties. The author of Hebrews encourages believers, "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and steadfast. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain" (Hebrews 6:19). This imagery underscores the steadfastness of hope in Christ, who intercedes on behalf of believers in the heavenly sanctuary.

The Apostle Paul further elaborates on the nature of Christian hope, emphasizing its eschatological dimension. He writes, "For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already sees? But if we hope for what we do not yet see, we wait for it patiently" (Romans 8:24-25). This hope is forward-looking, anticipating the full realization of God's kingdom and the redemption of creation.

Hope and the Christian Life

Hope in Christ is not passive but actively shapes the life of the believer. It inspires perseverance and resilience in the face of trials. Paul exhorts the Romans, "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, persistent in prayer" (Romans 12:12). This triad of virtues—joy, patience, and prayer—reflects the transformative power of hope in the believer's life.

Moreover, hope is intimately connected with faith and love, forming a triad of Christian virtues. Paul commends the Thessalonians for their "work of faith, labor of love, and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Thessalonians 1:3). This steadfastness of hope is a testament to the enduring impact of Christ's redemptive work and the believer's confident expectation of His return.

In summary, the hope brought in by Christ is a better hope, surpassing the anticipations of the Old Testament and offering believers a living, dynamic assurance rooted in the resurrection and the promises of God. This hope anchors the soul, shapes the Christian life, and points forward to the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hebrews 7:19
For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw near to God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

That Pious Parents have Reason to Hope it is Well with those Dear ...
... displeased with those who forbad their being brought to him ... Power, to repay it; may
we not hope that these ... but with the Child too: Incomparably better than if ...
/.../iv that pious parents have.htm

Letter of Martin Luther to Pope Leo X.
... so far from being sorry that I have brought my mind ... have felt indignant that the
people of Christ should be ... corrupt, was as yet ruling with better hope than now ...
/.../luther/concerning christian liberty/letter of martin luther to.htm

Letters to Olympias.
... their rescue, suddenly, and beyond all hope, the wonder ... devouring element which gets
the better even of ... it was an illustrious festival which brought all together ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/letters to olympias.htm

Christ the Arrester of Incipient Evil and the Nourisher of ...
... symbolise the lingering remains of a better nature which ... of these blessed stories
this great hope, that howsoever ... outward violence that can be brought to bear ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/christ the arrester of incipient.htm

Thoughts Upon the Imitation of Christ.
... he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, as ... the publick worship of God;
but then I hope this is ... Which that we may the better do, I have endeavoured ...
/.../private thoughts upon a christian life/thoughts upon the imitation of.htm

A Coffin in Egypt
... our natural sluggishness of Hope, and have brought it about ... twilight of revelation,
and with a hope of an ... We have a better inheritance, and fuller, clearer ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/a coffin in egypt.htm

"And if Christ be in You, the Body is Dead Because of Sin, but the ...
... to think them which have not at all been, better than both ... of the promise of immortality
and life, brought to our ... There may be hope that a tree will sprout again ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxix and if christ.htm

Political and Religious Life of the Jewish Dispersion in the West ...
... the spoils which that monarch had brought from the ... the Talmud and earliest commentaries,
what Israel's hope was in ... those who were so much better than themselves ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter vi political and religious.htm

Seven "I Wills" of Christ.
... We seized upon that as our last hope, and we ... many ministers in Manchester who can
preach much better than I ... hour, men and women who have been brought to Christ ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/the overcoming life/seven i wills of christ.htm

Hebrews vii. 14-Nov
... If therefore another priesthood has been brought in, there must ... Nay; but Christ.)
"But according to the power of ... "But the bringing in of a better hope did, by ...
/.../homily xiii hebrews vii 14-nov.htm