Topical Encyclopedia Hope, in the Christian context, is a profound and steadfast assurance rooted in the promises of God. It is a central theme throughout the Scriptures, providing believers with a confident expectation of future blessings and eternal life. The Bible encourages saints—those set apart by God—to hold fast to this hope without shame, as it is grounded in the truth of God's Word and His unchanging nature.Biblical Foundation of Hope The concept of hope in the Bible is not a mere wishful thinking but a confident expectation based on the character and promises of God. In Romans 5:5, the Apostle Paul writes, "And hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us" . This verse underscores that the hope given to believers is reliable and will not lead to disappointment because it is anchored in the love of God, made manifest through the Holy Spirit. Hope and the Saints Saints, as followers of Christ, are called to embrace this hope with boldness and without shame. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, emphasizes the importance of hope in the life of a believer: "For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already sees?" (Romans 8:24). This passage highlights that hope is intrinsically linked to faith, as it involves trusting in the unseen and the yet-to-be-fulfilled promises of God. Unashamed of Hope The call to be unashamed of hope is a recurring theme in the New Testament. In 2 Timothy 1:12, Paul declares, "For this reason, even though I suffer as I do, I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him for that day" . Here, Paul exemplifies the attitude of a saint who, despite suffering and persecution, remains unashamed of his hope because of his unwavering trust in God's faithfulness. Hope as a Source of Strength Hope serves as a source of strength and encouragement for the saints, enabling them to endure trials and tribulations. In Hebrews 6:19, hope is described as "an anchor for the soul, firm and secure" . This metaphor illustrates the stabilizing effect of hope, which keeps believers grounded amidst life's storms. The assurance of God's promises provides the saints with the courage to face challenges without fear or shame. Hope and the Glory of God The ultimate focus of Christian hope is the glory of God and the fulfillment of His redemptive plan. In Romans 5:2, Paul writes, "Through Him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God" . This hope is not only about personal salvation but also about the anticipation of God's glory being fully revealed in the world. Encouragement to Hold Fast The Scriptures repeatedly encourage believers to hold fast to their hope. Hebrews 10:23 exhorts, "Let us hold resolutely to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful" . This call to perseverance is rooted in the faithfulness of God, who is always true to His word. Saints are thus encouraged to remain steadfast, knowing that their hope is secure in the One who is eternally trustworthy. In summary, the hope that saints possess is a divine gift that should be embraced with confidence and without shame. It is a hope that is deeply rooted in the promises of God, providing strength, encouragement, and a future expectation of glory. As believers hold fast to this hope, they reflect their trust in God's faithfulness and His ultimate plan for redemption. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 119:116Uphold me according to your word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library That the Foundation and Strength of Hope and Faith is Fear. Letter xi (Circa AD 1120) the Abbot of Saint Nicasius at Rheims Introduction Fenelon -- the Saints Converse with God How Saints May Help the Devil The Saints Fled for Our Sakes. Who, Now, Should Know Better the Marrow of the Scriptures than the ... The Fifth Season, Letter xiii. --(For 341. ) Coss. Marcellinus, Probinus; Pr??f. ... 1 Cor. xvi. 1 Resources What is the living hope in 1 Peter 1:3? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Christian's hope? | GotQuestions.org What is the difference between faith and hope? | 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 |
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