The Christian’s hope is centered around Jesus Christ and the promises that God has made through Him in the Bible. This hope is not a wishful thinking or uncertain desire, but rather a confident expectation based on the reliability of God and His Word. Here are some key aspects of the Christian’s hope:
Eternal Life
One major component of the Christian’s hope is the promise of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16 ESV). The Bible clearly teaches that those who put their trust in Christ will spend eternity with God in heaven. This future promise gives believers incredible hope as they realize their earthly lives are merely a prelude to an eternal existence spent worshipping God.
Resurrection from the Dead
Another key part of the Christian’s hope is the future bodily resurrection. Jesus was crucified, buried, and then miraculously resurrected three days later, appearing to many people and proving His power over death (1 Corinthians 15:3-8 ESV). Because of Christ’s resurrection, Christians have the hope of one day being resurrected as well when Jesus returns. The resurrection provides hope of not just an ethereal afterlife, but a bodily existence made perfect and free from sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:42-44 ESV).
Christ’s Return
Christians have hope in the promise that Jesus will one day return to fully establish His kingdom on earth. At His second coming, there will be a final resurrection and judgment (John 5:28-29 ESV). Believers will receive eternal life and dwell with God, while those who rejected Christ will be separated from God’s presence (Matthew 25:31-46 ESV). This hope of Christ’s return gives meaning to believer’s lives and helps them persevere through present difficulties.
No More Pain or Suffering
When Christ returns, Christians have the hope that suffering, sadness, and death will be eradicated. Revelation 21:4 ESV says that “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” While living in a fallen world, it is encouraging for Christians to look forward to an eternity devoid of all pain and problems.
New Heaven and New Earth
The book of Revelation provides the hope that God will establish a new heaven and new earth free from the brokenness of sin (Revelation 21:1-5 ESV). On this renewed earth, there will be no curse, darkness, or evil. Hope is found in knowing that the world’s present corruption and imperfection will one day be done away with and replaced by righteousness and light.
Intimate Fellowship with God
One of the Christian’s greatest hopes is the promise of perfect, unhindered fellowship with God for eternity. While on earth, believers experience God’s presence spiritually, but one day they will see Him face to face (Revelation 22:4 ESV). There is eager anticipation in knowing that Christians will join with the angels and saints praising God forevermore in endless joy and blessing.
No More Sin
Christians can have hope because in eternity with God they will no longer struggle with sin. Their sinful flesh will be done away with and they will have glorified bodies and perfected spirits that cannot be tempted or swayed to disobedience (1 Corinthians 15:50-54 ESV). The battle against sin and temptation will be over as believers rest in God’s presence, fully obedient and righteous.
Reward in Heaven
The Bible gives Christians hope that their eternal destination in heaven will be rewarded according to their deeds. While good works do not earn salvation, Jesus promises those who faithfully serve Him will be rewarded in heaven for their Christian life on earth (Matthew 16:27 ESV). This promise motivates believers to live righteously in the present with their eyes set on eternity.
Kingdom of God
Jesus spoke about the kingdom of God throughout His ministry, bringing hope of this kingdom being established on earth through Him. When Jesus returns, He will reign fully over the new heaven and new earth. Believers will no longer be oppressed by the kingdoms of this world but will delight in God’s perfect kingdom for eternity (Revelation 11:15 ESV).
No Condemnation
Christians can have hope because there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1 ESV). When Jesus returns, believers will stand before Him spotless, blameless, and holy, as Christ’s righteousness covers over all their sins. This hope brings joy and assurance to believers who don’t have to fear future condemnation.
Hope in Suffering
The Christian hope shines brightest in times of suffering and persecution. Christians can have hope in suffering because they understand their trials are producing character, they know God can use pain for good purposes, they have their eyes on eternal glory, and they await the time when suffering will cease (Romans 5:3-5 ESV).
Confidence Despite Death
While death brings fear and uncertainty for many, Christians can face death with hope and confidence. Believers don’t have to fear death because they know it is not the end, but rather the beginning of eternal life with Christ (Philippians 1:21 ESV). This hope allows Christians to confidently proclaim along with the apostle Paul, “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:55 ESV).
Assurance in Salvation
In a world of uncertainty, Christians find hope in the assurance of their salvation. God’s Word promises believers can know they have eternal life if they trust in Christ (1 John 5:13 ESV). Christians do not have to constantly wonder if they are saved because their hope is rooted in Christ’s finished work on the cross and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit confirming their adoption into God’s family.
Transforming Power
There is hope in knowing that God is active and powerful to transform lives today. Through the Holy Spirit, God is sanctifying believers and making them more like Christ every day (2 Corinthians 3:18 ESV). Even amid their struggles with sin, Christians can have hope that God is working in them and they can become more Christlike.
God’s Sovereignty
Believers can have hope because they know their lives are in the hands of an all-powerful, sovereign God. Even when circumstances seem hopeless, God is in control, working all things together for good for those who love Him (Romans 8:28 ESV). Because God is sovereign, Christians can trust that He will fulfill His purposes and promises, giving them confident hope.
Hope in Community
Within the church, Christians experience hope through community, fellowship, and belonging. God designed believers to encourage one another, bearing each other’s burdens and reminding each other of the hope found in Christ (Galatians 6:2 ESV). Christian community provides support amidst struggles and reason to persevere in hope.
Biblical Examples
Reading accounts of biblical characters who endured by faith, such as Abraham, Sarah, David, Job, and Peter, gives Christians hope. Seeing how God remained faithful to His people throughout Scripture reassures believers that He will be faithful to them as well. The biblical hall of faith in Hebrews 11 provides many stories of hope to encourage Christians.
In summary, the Christian’s hope is focused on who God is and the eternal life He promises to those who trust in Jesus Christ. This hope is grounded in Scripture’s revelation of all that is to come through Christ’s finished work. No matter what happens in this world, Christians can cling to their hope in God and His coming kingdom. This unshakeable hope gives meaning, purpose, and perspective to believers’ daily lives.
