What does the Bible say about hope? The Bible has quite a lot to say about hope. Especially at this time of Year, because Biblical hope has as its foundation Faith in God and in His Word. That is right, I said Faith? Lets see what the Bible says about hope! The word hope in English often carries doubt. For instance, I hope it will not rain tomorrow. Or I hope I will get this or that for Christmas. And in addition, the word hope, in English, is often followed by the word SO. This is the answer that many may give when asked if they think that they will go to heaven when they die. They say, I sure hope so. However, THAT IS NOT THE MEANING OF THE WORDS TRANSLATED AS HOPE IN THE BIBLE. In the Old Testament the Hebrew word batah and its cognates CARRIES the meaning of Confidence, Security, and Being without care; therefore, the concept of DOUBT is NOT part of this word. We find that meaning in Job 6:20; Psalm 16:9; Psalm 22:9; and Ecclesiastes 9:4. In most instances in the New Testament, the word Hope is the Greek elpis/elpizo. Again, there is No Doubt attached to this word. Therefore, A BIBLICAL HOPE IS A CONFIDENT EXPECTATION OR ASSURANCE BASED ON A SURE FOUNDATION, FOR WHICH WE WAIT WITH JOY AND FULL CONFIDENCE ,ONLY THE TIME IS NOT KNOWN. In other words, THERE IS NO DOUBT ABOUT IT HAPPENING, WE JUST DO NOT KNOW THE TIME. Romans 15:5-13 Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, 6 so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God. 8 For I say that Christ has become a servant to the circumcision (Jews) on behalf of the truth of God to confirm the promises given to the fathers, 9 and for the Gentiles to glorify God for His mercy; as it is written, THEREFORE I WILL GIVE PRAISE TO YOU AMONG THE GENTILES, AND I WILL SING TO YOUR NAME. 10 Again he says, REJOICE, O GENTILES, WITH HIS PEOPLE. 11 And again, PRAISE THE LORD ALL YOU GENTILES, AND LET ALL THE PEOPLES PRAISE HIM. 12 Again Isaiah says, THERE SHALL COME THE ROOT OF JESSE, AND HE WHO ARISES TO RULE OVER THE GENTILES, IN HIM SHALL THE GENTILES HOPE. 13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing,(as Born Again Believers) so that you will abound in (a sure) hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. One of the verses in which we find the Biblical word hope is Hebrews 11:1. “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” This verse at the beginning of the faith chapter (Hebrews 11) and carries with it all of the Confidence that comes with knowing for sure, with No question, What we have been promised by God in His Word. Our Faith is Confident Assurance, because it is founded on the Rock of our salvation, the Lord Jesus Christ. All of the actions of the heroes of the faith recorded in Hebrews 11 were made possible because they had this Faith based in their confident assurance or HOPE in God. As Born Again Believers, we are also called to give an answer for that hope that is within us to any who would ask (1 Peter 3:15). Therefore, Biblical Hope is a Reality, not a feeling. Biblical Hope carries No Doubt. Biblical Hope is a sure foundation upon which we base our lives, believing that God always keeps His promises. Hope or confident assurance can be ours when we trust the words, “He who believes on Me has everlasting life” (John 6:47, NKJV). Accepting that gift of eternal life means our hope is no longer filled with doubt but, rather, has a Sure foundation the whole of God’s Word, the entirety of God’s character, and the Finished work of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. **** 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, tells you the Pure Gospel of Gods Grace for Your Salvation through Faith/Hope alone, in what Jesus has done on the Cross and in the Resurrection**** Be sure to listen to the 2nd song! https://youtube/watch?v=F2nJalaQ48Q
Posted on: Wed, 17 Dec 2014 14:00:04 +0000
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