Topical Bible: The Scriptures: Saints: Hope In

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The concept of hope is a central theme throughout the Bible, serving as a source of strength and encouragement for the saints. In the Scriptures, hope is not merely wishful thinking but a confident expectation rooted in the promises of God. This hope is both a present reality and a future assurance, deeply intertwined with faith and love.

Old Testament Foundations

The Old Testament lays the groundwork for understanding hope as a vital aspect of the believer's relationship with God. The Hebrew word often translated as "hope" is "tikvah," which conveys a sense of expectation and trust. In the Psalms, hope is frequently expressed as reliance on God's faithfulness and deliverance. Psalm 39:7 states, "And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in You." This verse highlights the psalmist's dependence on God as the source of hope amidst life's uncertainties.

The prophets also speak of hope, often in the context of restoration and redemption. Jeremiah 29:11 is a well-known verse where God declares, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a future and a hope." Here, hope is linked to God's sovereign plans and His commitment to His people.

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, hope takes on a more defined shape through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Greek word "elpis" is used to describe this hope, which is firmly anchored in the gospel. The Apostle Paul frequently addresses the theme of hope in his epistles, emphasizing its role in the believer's life.

Romans 5:2-5 illustrates the transformative power of hope: "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. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. 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 passage underscores the idea that hope is not diminished by trials but is instead strengthened through them, as it is rooted in God's love and the work of the Holy Spirit.

Hope as an Anchor

The Epistle to the Hebrews presents hope as an anchor for the soul, providing stability and security. Hebrews 6:19 states, "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and steadfast. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain." This metaphor conveys the steadfastness of hope, which is anchored in the unchanging nature of God and His promises.

Eschatological Hope

The hope of the saints is ultimately eschatological, looking forward to the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. This future hope is characterized by the anticipation of Christ's return and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. Titus 2:13 speaks of "the blessed hope and glorious appearance of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ." This hope motivates believers to live godly lives in the present, as they await the consummation of their salvation.

Practical Implications

For the saints, hope is both a gift and a calling. It is a source of comfort in times of distress and a motivator for righteous living. The Apostle Peter exhorts believers to be ready to give an answer for the hope that is within them (1 Peter 3:15), indicating that hope is also a powerful witness to the world.

In summary, the Scriptures present hope as an integral part of the believer's life, grounded in the character of God and the redemptive work of Christ. It is a dynamic force that sustains the saints through trials and propels them toward the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 119:74,81,147
They that fear you will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in your word.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Hope of the Redeemer's Return
... There are several Scriptures which distinguish between Heaven and the believer's ...
the fulfillment of this promise constituted the hope of the saints in those ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/chapter two the hope of.htm

That the Body and Blood of Christ and the Holy Scriptures are Most ...
... and Blood of Christ and the Holy Scriptures are most ... attained to, thither through
Thy grace hope I to come ... in faith, strengthened by the examples of the Saints. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/kempis/imitation of christ/chapter xi that the body.htm

Perseverance of the Saints Proved.
... There is therefore no hope for any saint, and no reason to calculate ... of showing,
that none but the elect are recognized in the scriptures as saints; and as ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xlviii perseverance of the.htm

On the Invocation of Saints
... properties are proposed to us in the Scriptures in a ... When we say that the saints
must not be invoked, we ... those gifts in the exercises of faith, hope and charity ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 24 on the invocation.htm

Our Hope is not Death.
... not the believer's Hope is clear from many Scriptures. ... Son from heaven" - these
Thessalonian saints were looking ... Finally; death cannot be our Hope, for death ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/3 our hope is not.htm

Our Hope is not the Salvation of the Soul.
... the Salvation of the soul as the believer's hope. ... of our salvation is presented in
many Scriptures""Verily, verily ... of the inheritance of the saints in light ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/2 our hope is not.htm

The Scriptures Reveal Eternal Life through Jesus Christ
... eternal life; and therefore we ought to search the scriptures for this ... in that
foundation, whereupon the weight of all the saints and all their hope hangs. ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture iv the scriptures reveal.htm

Perseverance of Saints.
... but the son of perdition is lost, according to the scriptures. ... the fact of the fall
and ruin of real saints. ... we can affirm, or even confidently hope, that many ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture li perseverance of saints.htm

Introduction
... The Hope of the Church was not yet restored! ... that an ever increasing number of the
saints have given ... would herein call attention to those Scriptures which make ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/introduction.htm

Concerning the Scriptures.
... see the conditions and experiences of the saints of old ... more confirmed and comforted,
and our hope of obtaining ... is the great work of the scriptures, and their ...
/.../proposition iii concerning the scriptures.htm