Topical Encyclopedia In the Christian faith, hope is a profound and multifaceted concept that is deeply rooted in the promises and character of God. It is not merely wishful thinking but a confident expectation of what God has assured in His Word. The objects of hope in the Bible are often linked to the glory that believers anticipate, both in the present life and in eternity.1. The Glory of God: The ultimate object of hope for believers is the glory of God. This glory is both a present reality and a future promise. In Romans 5:2, the Apostle Paul writes, "through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God." Here, the glory of God is something believers can rejoice in, as it is a certain future reality that they will experience fully. 2. The Resurrection and Eternal Life: The resurrection of the dead and the promise of eternal life are central objects of Christian hope. In 1 Corinthians 15:42-43, Paul describes the resurrection body: "So also is the resurrection of the dead: It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption. It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory." The transformation from a perishable to an imperishable state is a glorious hope for believers, affirming their future with Christ. 3. The Return of Christ: The second coming of Jesus Christ is a pivotal object of hope. Titus 2:13 refers to this as "the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ." This event is anticipated with great expectation, as it will usher in the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. 4. The Inheritance of the Saints: Believers are promised an inheritance that is imperishable and glorious. In 1 Peter 1:3-4, Peter speaks of this hope: "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, and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you." This inheritance is a source of hope, as it is secured by the resurrection of Christ. 5. The Transformation into Christ's Likeness: Another object of hope is the believer's transformation into the likeness of Christ. In 1 John 3:2-3, it is written, "Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure." This hope motivates believers to pursue holiness and purity in anticipation of becoming like Christ. 6. The New Creation: The hope of a new creation is a significant object of glory for believers. Revelation 21:1-4 describes the new heaven and new earth, where God will dwell with His people, and there will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain. This vision of a restored creation is a powerful source of hope, as it represents the culmination of God's redemptive work. In summary, the objects of hope in the Christian faith are deeply intertwined with the glory of God and His promises. These objects provide believers with a confident expectation of future realities that are grounded in the character and faithfulness of God, as revealed in Scripture. Torrey's Topical Textbook Romans 5:2By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Colossians 1:27 Library The Objects of Faith and Hope Perceived by the Mind Alone. Glory to God Alone The Martyrdom of Stephen. Heavenly Contemplation Assisted by Sensible Objects, and Guarded ... The Hope of the Calling Wisdom and Revelation. I Will not by the Noise of Bloody Wars and the Dethroning of Kings ... And if it be Necessary for us to Offer a Defence of Our Refusal To ... Vanity of Human Glory. Grace and Glory Resources What is hope theology / theology of hope? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about hope? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that faith, hope, and love remain (1 Corinthians 13:13)? | GotQuestions.org Hope: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Hope is an Encouragement to Boldness in Preaching Hope is the Work of the Holy Spirit Hope of the Wicked is in Their Worldly Possessions Hope of the Wicked: Shall be Extinguished in Death Hope of the Wicked: Shall Make Them Ashamed Hope of the Wicked: Shall Perish Hope: A Better Hope Brought in by Christ Hope: Be Ready to Give an Answer Concerning Hope: Connected With Faith and Love Hope: General Scriptures Concerning Hope: Illustrated by an Anchor Hope: Objects of a Resurrection Hope: Objects of Christ's Glorious Appearing Hope: Objects of Righteousness Hope: Obtained Through: Patience and Comfort of the Scriptures Hope: Obtained Through: The Gospel Hope: Obtained Through: The Word Hope: Saints: Have All, the Same Hope: Saints: should Abound In Hope: Saints: should Continue In Hope: Saints: should Hold Fast Hope: Saints: should Look for the Object of Hope: Saints: should not be Ashamed of Hope: Saints: should not be Moved From Hope: Seek for Full Assurance of Hope: The Result of Experience Hope: The Wicked Have No Ground For Hope: Triumphs Over Difficulties Related Terms |