Category: Hope

In the previous section, the Hebrew writer showed the inviolability of the hope that is ours in Christ. It exists because of God’s righteousness, and the oath He made to us that a faithful life would be rewarded.

Here we have a discussion of the nature of this promised hope. It is the anchor of our faith. The metaphor is used only here in scripture, though it was a common illustration in the Greek language. Our hope is what gives us calmness and assurance during the storms of life. The mental picture we have of a spiritual reward at the end of our lives sustains us during all times good and bad.

The second metaphor, “which enters the Presence behind the veil” is sometimes not understood.” Personally I love Dan King’s short explanation of the phrase: “The point is that the Christian’s anchor of hope is not dropped into an earthly sea, but passes beyond the curtain of mystery to the heavenly realms. There it moors us to the very throne of God.”

This is the same place where our Savior resides, exalted forever as our High Priest on His throne in Heaven by the Father (cf. Philippians 2:9-11).

This section of Hebrews gives us the firm basis of our hope. It is in the person and character of God. He uses an example of a promise God made to Abraham to bless Him, “because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself” (13).

We know that an oath is binding. That is why we ask those testifying in court to “swear to tell the truth.” If they lie after swearing this, it is legal perjury and punishable by law.

God swore by Himself. This is the strongest oath He could have taken, as no one is greater than God Himself. Then there is God’s character, one who cannot be tempted to sin (cf. James 1::13). As such, God can’t lie. Since He can’t lie, and He further swore an oath, we know that the promise to Abraham was inviolable.

The Hebrew writer used this example to note that our hope of salvation is based upon these same two immutable things. God’s promise, and His person. As such we “might have strong consolation” (18). God promised it, so we can have certain trust in our hope!

In our text, the Hebrew writer enlarges upon his statement in 3:19 that the Israelites were not able to enter into the rest of God (the land of Canaan) because of their unbelief.

He begins by noting that a promise of rest remains for God’s people. The reference here is obviously to heaven, the final rest promised to the people of God. He refers to several “rests” in the text. The rest of God after the creation of the world, “And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and rested…” (Genesis 2:2). The rest of Canaan missed by the unbelieving Jews, “They shall not enter My rest” (5). He then refers to Psalm 95 where David mentions those rebellious Jews, and said, “Today, if you will hear His voice: Do not harden your hearts, as in the wilderness…” (7-8). In the word “Today”, David was indicating another rest yet attainable for the people of God.

The key is the same here. We must believe to attain the eternal rest promised by God. “For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his words as God did from His” (10). Do not harden your heart. Believe in the promise of God!

The child of God has great assurance given him by his heavenly Father. It is a wonderful thing to be able to go through life with the certainty that the preeminent Being in the universe is on your side! It is good to be mindful that “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31).

My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God” (Psalms 62:5-7).

Sometimes we have difficulty accepting this truth. We can become preoccupied with things that are seen. This is something Paul understood, and so wrote the Corinthians something we need to hear. “Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).

If you are having difficulty with your life in this difficult world, trying focusing on your hope of heaven as God’s child!

A discussion of the hope a Christian has at death.

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In 1 Peter 1, the apostle pronounced a benediction [devout or formal utterance of blessedness] upon God for his “abundant mercy” (3).  According to Peter, this mercy is shown by His giving spiritual life to us, and a “living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (3-5). Continue reading “Abundant Mercy” →

A Discussion of Hebrews 11 & 12 as we look to these Old Testament characters whose faith teaches us important lessons!

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Peter affirms here that God’s plan for redeeming man was formulated before the creation. This was not an effort to mitigate any mistake, God knew that free will would bring about disobedience. As such, a means of reconciliation between Him and man was necessary. The same sentiment is expressed in Ephesians 1:3-14.

This scheme of redeeming man came to a climax in the first century, the latter days, when Jesus was manifest to man.  He came to earth as a man, lived a sinless life, taught His will, died on the cross, was resurrected from the dead, and ascended back into heaven.  This was done, as Peter wrote, “to you who through Him believe in God.”

Jesus, who humbled Himself even to the point of death (cf. Philippians 2:8), was given glory by His Father, as He raised Jesus to sit at His right hand on heaven’s throne.  In this it can truly be said that in Jesus, (and in Him alone, cf. John 14:6), reside our faith and hope for an eternity as the redeemed in heaven!

A discussion of Romans 5:1-11, discussing salvation, obtained by God’s grace through our faith in Jesus, bringing us a firm hope of eternity with God.

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Stan discusses the text of 1 Corinthians 15, showing the ultimate hope of life for the child of God, based on the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

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In the previous verses, Peter referred to the inheritance that awaits all the faithful. It is reserved in heaven (4), and is eternal in nature (5). In our text, he notes this is a reason for rejoicing though our lives at present may be difficult.

It is a fact that life here on earth may be difficult for every human. Christians are not excepted. Rain falls on “the just and on the unjust” (Matthew 5:45). These trials serve a specific purpose for the child of God.  The establish the genuineness of his faith.

Is your faith in Jesus true? You have never seen Him. Do you truly love Him? The hope that is proclaimed, an eternity in Heaven in the presence of God, is contained in a future promise. Do you believe it? The proof is seen in how you conduct yourself as you live here on this earth. Trials and tribulations on earth serve the same purpose as fire does to the purification of metal. If you prove yourself by the life you live on earth you will receive “the end of your faith — the salvation of your souls” (9).

Various texts in the New Testament are examined to contrast the difficulties and limitations of this life as compared to our state and hope in eternity.

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The book of Psalms often refer to the victory of God over either His own enemies, or the enemies of His people, the Israelites.

As Christians today are God’s people, an understanding of God’s power and ability both to protect us, and to punish the wicked, brings us comfort and hope.

In Psalm 68, the singer extolls God’s power over His enemies.  He has the ability to scatter them, causing them to flee “As smoke is driven way” (2).  He writes, “As wax melts before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God” (2).

As a contrast we have joy as we abide in God’s favor.  “But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice exceedingly. Sing to God, sing praises to His name; extol Him who rides on the clouds, by His name Yah, and rejoice before Him” (3-4).

Our God is wonderful to the righteous, those who depend upon Him.  He is “A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows” (5).  “Blessed be the Lord, Who daily loads us with benefits, the God of our Salvation!” (19).

As such, He is worthy of our praise. “Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth; Oh, sing praises to the Lord. To Him who risdes on the heaven of heavens, which were of old! Indeed, He sends out His voice, a mighty voice. Ascribe strength to God; His excellence is over Israel, and His strength is in the clouds… Blessed be God!” (32-35).

“Truly my soul silently waits for God; from Him comes my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be greatly moved” (Psalm 62:1-2).

Christians who have a full and correct understanding of the nature of grace and faith have a great confidence in their salvation. It is God who accomplishes their redemption, so they can be sure that their service to Him will be rewarded in the end. This brings patience and comfort as they await the day where the Lord says, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (cf. Matthew 25:21).

Others, who place their trust in something other than God, have no such assurance.

“Surely men of low degree are a vapor, men of high degree are a lie; if they weighed on the scales, they are altogether lighter than vapor. Do not trust in oppression, nor vainly hope in robbery; if riches increase, do not set your heart on them.” (Psalm 62:9-10).

Remember:

“In God is my salvation and glory; the rock of my strength, and my refuge is in God. Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.” AND “God has spoken once, twice I have heard this: that power belongs to God. Also to You, O Lord, belongs mercy; for You render to each one according to his work” (Psalm 62:7-8, 11-2).

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