Traveling down the interstate, I came upon a billboard which read, “If you were to die tonight, would you go to heaven?” I speculated that the most common response would be, “I hope so.” A curious response to so vital a question.
The verb “hope” is an interesting one. Wikipedia provides a helpful definition.
“An optimistic state of mind that is based on an expectation of positive outcomes with respect to events and circumstances in one’s own life.”
When a farmer, whose crops are perishing under a relentless drought, is asked if he thinks the weatherman’s forecast is accurate for rain tonight, his expected response would be, “I hope so”. The farmer listens to the weatherman’s report, knowing that only a probability of rain can be provided. Lacking any control over this occurrence of nature, the weatherman cannot eliminate the uncertainty. The common “hope” expressions in our daily lives will often have uncertainty and dependency as close companions. The fundamental question is, “What or who controls the outcome upon which our hope is based?”
The Bible has a lot to say about “hope”. Interestingly in the New Testament the occurrences are more frequent in the noun grammatical form. It is not an expression of action; rather, it speaks to a statement or position of confident expectation. Such “hope” would be characterized as possessing an unshakeable foundation able to endures all challenges to the contrary. Upon what basis does Biblical “hope” possess such attributes? The Apostle Paul speaks to this in the salutation of his first epistle to Timothy, his young, fellow laborer in the gospel: “Christ Jesus, who is our hope.”
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
John 3:16
Biblical “hope” is dependent on Christ Jesus, the One through and for whom all things were created. The same One who is before all things and holds all things together (Col 1:16-17). This divine hope is dependent upon the sovereign God whose promises are that unshakeable foundation, absent any uncertainty because nothing can thwart His plans and purposes.
Jesus *said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.
John 14:6
Our hope is based on the gift of faith in the One who has provided the way of salvation – a restored relationship with God. Christ came to testify to the truth; His words are the very definition of truth. And for all who are called of God, who believe upon the Christ who gave His own life as the sacrifice for sin, in Him eternal life is found. The basis for Biblical “hope” is the certain rainfall of his glorious promises which will satisfy our thirsty souls.
Glancing in my rearview mirror I noticed that the creative billboard artists had placed a mirror image on the other side. “Trust in Jesus; He is the only way.” I drove on with confidence. If I die tonight, will I go to heaven? I know so, because in Christ, I hope.
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus according to the commandment of God our Savior, and of Christ Jesus, who is our hope, To Timothy, my true child in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
The blessing of wisdom and knowledge is promised if we would but seek her as for silver and search for her as for hidden treasure. I invite you to join me for some spiritual exploring.
Leave a Reply