Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Nature:Hope, in the biblical context, is a confident expectation and desire for something good in the future. It is not merely wishful thinking but is grounded in the promises and faithfulness of God. Hope is a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith, providing believers with assurance and strength as they navigate life's challenges.
Old Testament Understanding:In the Old Testament, hope is often associated with waiting and trust in God. The Hebrew word "yachal" conveys a sense of waiting expectantly. For instance, in
Psalm 130:5, the psalmist declares, "I wait for the LORD; my soul does wait, and in His word I put my hope." This hope is rooted in God's covenantal promises and His past acts of deliverance.
The prophets frequently spoke of hope in the context of Israel's restoration and the coming of the Messiah.
Jeremiah 29:11 is a well-known verse where God assures His people, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope."
New Testament Perspective:In the New Testament, hope takes on a more defined shape with the advent of Jesus Christ. The Greek word "elpis" is used to describe this hope, which is centered on the person and work of Christ.
Romans 5:5 states, "And hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us."
The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of Christian hope. As Paul writes in
1 Corinthians 15:19-20, "If our hope in Christ is for this life alone, we are to be pitied more than all men. But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep." This hope extends beyond this life, promising eternal life and glory with God.
Hope as a Virtue:Hope is one of the three theological virtues, alongside faith and love, as highlighted in
1 Corinthians 13:13: "And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love." It is a gift from God that sustains believers, enabling them to endure trials and remain steadfast.
Hope in Daily Life:For Christians, hope is not passive but active, influencing how they live and interact with the world. It inspires perseverance and courage, as seen in
Romans 12:12: "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, persistent in prayer." Hope also motivates believers to share the gospel, as they are called to "always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you" (
1 Peter 3:15).
Eschatological Hope:Christian hope is ultimately eschatological, looking forward to the fulfillment of God's kingdom. This includes the return of Christ, the resurrection of the dead, and the creation of a new heaven and earth.
Revelation 21:4 offers a vision of this future hope: "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away."
Conclusion:While hope is a present reality for believers, it is also a future expectation. It is both a sustaining force in the present and a promise of what is to come, deeply rooted in the character and promises of God.
Library
CM Sarah F. Adams. The Strength ofHope.
... The Strength ofHope. 1 The world may change from old to new, From new to old again;
Yethope and heaven, forever true, Within man's heart remain....
A Coffin in Egypt
... New. And, during all that period, Israel was left with a mummy and ahope....
heart. Again, that 'coffin in Egypt' was a herald ofHope....
To the Right Hon. Henry Pelham, First Lord Commissioner of the...
... With dismal doubt, and sable terror, hung; Sickhope's pale lamp its only glimmering
ray:... No!"the soul disdains. A mark so mean; far noblerhope inflames;...
Humbly Inscribed to his Grace the Duke of Newcastle, one of his...
... Thus I, long-travell'd in the ways of men,. And dancing, with the rest, the giddy
maze,. Where Disappointment smiles atHope's career; 10.... from whence? Vainhope...
Under King John
... Lay him most surely as your heart's foundation and yourhope's anchor. He truly
is so firm and living a stone that He crushes all who oppose Him....
Hymn at Cock-Crow
... When breezes bright of orient morn With rosy hues the heavens adorn, They cheer
withhope of gladdening light The hearts that spend in toil their might....
The Two Journeys.
... "Whither, oh! whither?" "Life's short pleasures past,.Hope's funeral knell the
sound on every blast,. Heaven's entrance closed, to ruin hurried fast,....
Acts xxv. 23
... "And now I stand and am judged for thehope of the promise made of God unto our
fathers: unto... For whichhope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews....
On the Words of the Gospel, Luke xii. 35, "Let Your Loins be...
... Unto this waiting, and for thishope's sake, have we been made Christians. Is
not ourhope not of this world? Let us then not love the world....
On Infants' Early Deaths.
... on everything alike; the distant is foreseen; the near is not unnoticed; they do
not wait for experience to teach expedience; they see withHope's insight, or...
Thesaurus
Hope's (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance
Hope's (1 Occurrence). Acts 26:7 Unto which promise our
twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night,
hope to come.
...Hopes (24 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Romans 8:24 For we were saved inhope, buthope that is seen is nothope.
For who hopes for that which he sees? (WEB NAS RSV NIV)....
Assiduously (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Assiduously (1 Occurrence). Acts 26:7 To which promise
our twelve tribes, assiduously serving God day and night,hope to come....
Instantly (39 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Acts 26:7 Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving
God day and night,hope to come. For whichhope's sake...
Hopeth (4 Occurrences)
... Hopeth (4 Occurrences). Romans 8:24 For inhope were we saved: buthope that is
seen is nothope: for who hopeth for that which he seeth? (ASV)....
Promise (112 Occurrences)
... 3. (a.) That which causeshope, expectation, or assurance; especially, that which
affords expectation of future distinction; as, a youth of great promise....
Sake (241 Occurrences)
... Acts 26:7 Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day
and night,hope to come. For whichhope's sake, king Agrippa...
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