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 Bible, serving as a source of strength and encouragement for believers. The hope of the saints is not a fleeting or uncertain wish but a confident expectation based on the faithfulness of God and the redemptive work of Jesus Christ.The Scriptures emphasize that the saints should not be moved from this hope. In Colossians 1:23, the Apostle Paul exhorts believers to remain steadfast: "if indeed you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant" . This verse underscores the importance of perseverance in the faith and the necessity of holding fast to the hope offered through the gospel. The hope of the saints is anchored in the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the promise of eternal life. In 1 Peter 1:3-4, 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, and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you" . This living hope is not only a future expectation but also a present reality that transforms the lives of believers. The immovability of this hope is further highlighted in Hebrews 6:19, where it is described as "an anchor for the soul, firm and secure" . This metaphor illustrates the stabilizing effect of hope in the life of a Christian, providing security amidst the storms of life. The saints are called to hold onto this hope with unwavering faith, trusting in God's promises and His unchanging nature. Moreover, the hope of the saints is intertwined with the love and grace of God. In Romans 5:5, Paul assures believers that "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 divine love reinforces the certainty of hope, ensuring that it will not lead to shame or disappointment. The saints are encouraged to encourage one another and build each other up in this hope. In 1 Thessalonians 5:11, Paul writes, "Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing" . The community of believers plays a vital role in sustaining hope, providing mutual support and edification. In summary, the hope of the saints is a vital and unshakeable aspect of the Christian faith. It is grounded in the gospel, secured by the resurrection of Christ, and sustained by the love of God. Believers are called to remain steadfast, not allowing themselves to be moved from this hope, as it is the foundation of their faith and the assurance of their eternal inheritance. Torrey's Topical Textbook Colossians 1:23If you continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which you have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister; Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Psalm XVI. Whether There is Hope in the Damned The First Chapter: the Great Reverence with which we Should ... The Law Given, not to Retain a People for Itself, but to Keep ... That Gospel Sermon on the Blessed Hope we have not only so high a pattern, but so excellent a motive Chapter xxii. That the Foundation and Strength of Hope and Faith is Fear. Whether it is Fitting to Say that when Christ was Baptized the ... Wherefore, Although I am not Able to Teach... 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 |
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