Romans 8:24-25
24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
In the few minutes I have I want to discuss Hope.
What is hope? The dictionary defines hope as the feeling that what is wanted can be had. “I really hope that we win.” “I hope I pass this test”. I hope it won’t rain” “I hope that my parents don’t find out.”
Each of these statements expresses a desire, a hope toward a positive outcome, but without a guarantee. If we have no guarantee, how then do we have hope in such a sin-sick world?
To fully appreciate the hope that we eagerly await let’s look at a few bible verses.
Psalm 33:22, “May your unfailing love be with us, LORD, even as we put our hope in you.”
I am told by my dad that the Hebrew word here means “trust.” I trust he is right!
Psalm 39:7, “… my hope is in thee.” Here we see a slightly different Hebrew word with the same root but meaning “expectation.” The Lord can be trusted. He WILL keep His promises.
In the New Testament, we see the word “Hope” in several verses. The word “Hope” is an absolute, a guarantee without a doubt.
Colossians 1:5, “For the hope which is laid out for you in heaven….”
The Hope of Heaven is not a maybe — but an absolute and definite guarantee by the Word of the Truth of the Gospel.
Titus 1:2, “In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;” Eternal life — guaranteed and promised by the God of the Universe. He cannot lie.
Titus 2:13, “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;”
Every true believer in Jesus Christ may look with confidence to the glorious appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ. No doubt! We are Justified by God’s grace, guaranteed — Rendered innocent or free by God’s Grace, eternal life guaranteed! As I conclude, I want you to have that Hope or guarantee personally. God offers you this by His Grace.
Not one of us deserves to live in Heaven. We have all sinned and come short of the mark of God’s righteousness. All sin requires being apart from God. By God’s Grace and Love, He provided Jesus Christ who was crucified for our sins. This Grace is not determined by how good we are — or how hard you try — or by your good works, but by “undeserved mercy.”
How can we KNOW that Hope is real?
Remember and believe that: Jesus died — That is history. Jesus died for ME — that is salvation.
Please, trust Jesus Christ as your Savior NOW! God has no strings attached! Claim that wonderful HOPE.
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