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The Hope in Us

Peter wrote, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear” (1Peter 3:15). Within the context, Peter is discussing steadfastness amid wrongful suffering. When others observe our reaction to suffering injustice, it will naturally make them question the motivating force behind it. Peter states that we should be ready to answer.

So, what is the hope of a Christian? I want us to consider three area where the Christian hope is identified. First, the Christian hope is that which anchors us. The Hebrew writer stated, “This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek. (Hebrews 6:19-20)

Our hope is grounded in Christ. It is based upon His death, burial, and resurrection. It is by the sacrifice of Jesus that we are sanctified before God. Again, the Hebrew writer states, “By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” (Hebrews 10:10).

Second, our hope is found in the remission of our sins. This is only possible through the blood Jesus shed for us upon the cross. Paul wrote, “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.” (Eph 1:7).

Therefore, Jesus is the propitiation for our sins (1Jn 2:2). The word “propitiation” means “that which satisfies”. In context of 1 John, through the blood of Jesus the wrath of God has been satisfied and the grace of God has been extended to mankind.

Last, we have a hope that looks beyond the grave. Paul wrote to those of Thessalonica saying, “But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope.” (1Th 4:13). Those who have no faith in God also have no hope beyond the realm of this life. The hope we have can see a bright, eternal future with God, the angels, and all our loved ones who have gone on before.

Jesus assures us that He has gone to prepare a place for us. Since we will have a place prepared for us, He will come again and bring us unto Himself. (John 14:1-4). It is this hope that keeps us going when we are faced with injustice. When we suffer for being a Christian, we continue to hold on for that which is laid before us. Therefore, let us embrace the hope that is in us and always keep fighting that good fight of faith!

God Bless each of you,

Eric Hicks

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