By Tyson Thorne

August 3, 2017
 
 

“Hope” is another one of those words that devolved over time. Today it means little more than to wish, or positive thinking, but this has not always been the case. The Greek word translated as “hope” in the New Testament is elpis, and had many functioning components to its definition. This was true of the English word as well, until modern times. Any Bible dictionary will tell you that “hope” means a confident expectation. This is good, as far as it goes, but if you’re like me it leaves you wanting something more. So here is something more.

As mentioned, there are many components to the definition. Hope may refer to the activity of hope and/or the object of hope. Furthermore, it refers to something that is unseen (and closely associated with faith, Hebrews 11.1-3) and/or something that is in the future. This is how the Biblical writers used the term. For example, as followers of Jesus we hope to be with him one day in Heaven. In this case, heaven is the object and, while it exists in the present it is unseen. Furthermore, our expectation of getting to heaven is in the future. Perhaps Paul provides a clearer example:

For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one also hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it. – Romans 8.24-25

Here’s one more: Because of our faith in Jesus, we have the hope of salvation and the certain expectation of living eternally.

A Biblical hope is more than its definition, however. It is an energizing force that puts feet to our faith. Because we have the hope of eternal life, we tell others about our faith in Jesus that they too may share the same hope. Hope also trains our thinking so that, rather than thinking “eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we die”, we have an eternal perspective to guide in how we live.

There are other benefits to this thing called hope as well. Look up “hope” in any concordance and read the verses associated with it. One who has a Biblical hope is protected by God (Psalm 33.18), it comforts us is life’s darkest moments (1 Thessalonians 4.13) and it inspires us to minister to others (1 Timothy 4.10) to name only a few.

Finally, hope is one of the three most important qualities of the Christian life. As Paul points out in 1 Corinthians 13, “faith, hope and love” are the greatest components of spiritual life. Guess which one we’ll conclude our series with, next time.

Food for thought:

While a Biblical hope is a part of salvation and provides many benefits, putting our hope in anything other than God and his promises can lead to ruin.

When a wicked person dies, his expectation perishes, and the hope of his strength perishes. – Proverbs 11.7

 
 
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