Topical Encyclopedia Hope in God is a central theme throughout the Bible, serving as a cornerstone of faith and a source of strength for believers. It is the confident expectation and trust in God's promises, character, and faithfulness. This hope is not wishful thinking but a firm assurance based on the nature of God and His revealed Word.Old Testament Foundations The concept of hope in God is deeply rooted in the Old Testament. The Hebrew word often translated as "hope" is "tikvah," which conveys a sense of expectation and waiting. The Psalms frequently express this hope, as seen in Psalm 42:11 : "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." The prophets also spoke of hope, particularly in times of distress and exile. Jeremiah 29:11 is a well-known verse where God reassures His people: "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope." New Testament Fulfillment In the New Testament, hope is closely linked to the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Greek word "elpis" is used to describe this hope, which is both present and future-oriented. Romans 5:5 states, "And hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us." The resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of Christian hope. 1 Peter 1:3 declares, "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." Hope as an Anchor Hope in God is described as an anchor for the soul, providing stability and security amidst life's storms. Hebrews 6:19 affirms, "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and steadfast. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain." This hope is not only for personal assurance but also for communal encouragement. Believers are exhorted to hold fast to their hope and to encourage one another, as seen in Hebrews 10:23-24 : "Let us hold resolutely to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds." Eternal Perspective Christian hope extends beyond this life, offering an eternal perspective. It is the anticipation of the fulfillment of God's promises, including the return of Christ and the establishment of His kingdom. Titus 2:13 speaks of "the blessed hope and glorious appearance of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ." This eternal hope motivates believers to live godly lives, as 1 John 3:3 states: "And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure." Practical Implications Hope in God has practical implications for daily living. It empowers believers to endure trials, as Romans 12:12 encourages: "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, persistent in prayer." It also inspires a life of holiness and service, as hope is intertwined with faith and love, forming the triad of Christian virtues (1 Corinthians 13:13). In summary, hope in God is a dynamic and transformative force in the life of a believer, rooted in the character of God and the redemptive work of Christ. It is a source of joy, strength, and perseverance, guiding believers through the challenges of life and pointing them toward the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 39:7And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in you. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Peter 1:21 Greek 1679. elpizo -- to expect, to hope (for) ... Cognate: 1679 (from 1680 , "hope") -- to for God's fulfillment about the faith He has inbirted through the power of (cf. Gal 5:6 with Heb 11:1). See 1680 (). ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1679.htm - 8k 4102. pistis -- faith, faithfulness Library Psalm 142. God is the Hope of the Helpless. Psalm 142 God is the Hope of the Helpless. In God Alone is the Hope and Joy of Man. God Our Refuge and Hope. Hope in the Covenant; Or, God's Promise and Truth Unchangeable. ... "Now the God of Hope Fill You with all Joy and Peace in Believing ... The Hope of Safety is in the Religion and Worship of God. That all Hope and Trust is to be Fixed in God Alone Hope in the Covenant; Or, God's Promise and Truth Unchangeable ... The Fifty-Ninth Chapter: all Hope and Trust are to be Fixed in God ... Resources What does it mean that hope deferred makes the heart sick (Proverbs 13:12)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the blessed hope? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that Christ in us is the hope of glory? | 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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