Our Hope in Christ – by Ed Dunn

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…while we wait for the blessed hope – the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ… (Titus 2:13, NIV)

Through him we have obtained access through faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God (Romans, 5:2, NIV)

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:3, NIV)

If we peruse various versions of the dictionary, hope is commonly defined as a feeling of expectation; a desire for a certain thing to happen. Often, however, hope is further defined as more than just a feeling or a desire. There is an element of trust to hope. A belief, a trust, and a feeling or desire that something will indeed happen.

In my former work life as an investment professional, I’d often listen to experts in the field at various investment conferences who were brought in to address the topic of retirement planning. How those experts loved to pitch complex investment strategies, as well as creative and convenient ways to get those sitting in the audience to put their retirement monies to work with them. I remember a favorite catch-phrase, used over-and-over again: Hope is not a strategy. What they meant by repeating that catch-phrase was, hope is not a strategy – you have to plan – and since you have to plan, you might as well do that planning with us.

It is true that in our physical world, in the times and the economies in which we live, planning is the right tool to be ready for all stages of life. Planning, to the best of our abilities, is a good thing. But, in God’s economy, in our spiritual lives, the catch-phrase that the investment experts loved to use, with some sarcasm I might add, is not true. In our spiritual lives, our hope in Christ is the only strategy.

Our hope in Christ is the feeling, the desire, the trust, and sure belief that he is our Lord and Savior. He alone is our hope. Christ Jesus has taken care of any-and-all spiritual planning we might ever need to do. It is finished, and he has finished it.      

Why is it so important to keep our eyes on Christ as our hope?

Our hope in Christ comes from Christ, and helps us while we wait for his appearng. His hope within us gives us vision, comfort, and patience in our walk with him. Our physical lives are often full of challenges, disappointments, and difficulties. Yet, we keep our eyes on Jesus, and our spiritual lives are renewed day by day.

Our hope in Christ helps us to stand firm in his grace. We believe and trust in him, and in his indwelling work within us. We do not believe in the strategies of this world. Nor, do we fall prey to legalism, moralism, or a belief that our good works earn us anything.

Our hope in Christ helps us to rejoice. We rejoice in his living, transforming life within us. We rejoice in the belief and trust that we have been raised and resurrected with him. We are seated with him. This hope is not deferred, and as such, our hearts are healthy and whole (Proverbs 13:12, NIV, my emphasis). We live by this gift, this hope, in joy and share that joy with the world.

Our hope in Christ gives us certain access through faith to the Father, with the Son, by and through the Holy Spirit. We share a rich spiritual life together in communication, communion, and community with God. We share this life together, this new birth into a living hope, with one another. We share this life, and the good news of it, with the world. Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

This column has been the first column in a four-part series on the topic of the Hope, Comfort, Encouragement and Healing to Be Found in Christ Jesus. Along with our mission, belief in and teachings of All Jesus, All the Time and Faith Alone, Grace Alone and Christ Jesus Alone, the four parts of Hope, Comfort, Encouragement, and Healing in Christ will be emphasized and expanded upon in our writings.

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