Hope has been called faith in the future tense. The optimists of the world are always trying to engender hope. Evolution teaches we are on an a steady incline of progress. Economists tell us that we live in a world of unprecedented economic success. Family researchers say our children will be the most advantaged children in history!
However, evolution can not resolve the death problem.
“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:…” – Heb 9:27
Though we have the highest technology we end up using it only on our death bed.
“For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.” – 1 Tim 6:7
For most of us worldly success is not in reach and the lure of prosperity fades quickly away. At the very end of our lives everyone sounds like Job:
“My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle, and are spent without hope.” – Job 7:6
What hope can we give our children if we know they will in the end spend their lives without hope like everyone else?
False Hope Ignores Death
All too often the hope of the world is only a mask for the hopelessness that awaits us all in death. Yet, it is in death that hope is truly needed!
The world is still searching for a hope that lasts. It has not found it.
Even some Christians look for hope in science, success, or children, but Paul pulls back the curtain on this temporary hope:
“If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.” – 1 Cor 15:19
The Bible says the cause of hopelessness is a rejection of the gospel of Christ. Despite God’s provision of hope in the gospel the world remains in an hopeless condition:
“…without Christ,… having no hope, and without God in the world:” – Eph 2:12
True Hope Defeats Death
God gives us the hope of eternal life; death is defeated (Titus 1:2).
Jesus provided the means to receive it (Titus 3:7).
A sinless Jesus purchased forgiveness before God with his blood and conquered death in his resurrection. What was once a world without hope in death is filled with hope for those who place their faith in the free gift purchased by the cross of Christ.
The promise of God is sure that we shall see future glory in Christ (Rom 8:18). The hope of the Bible is not limited by death. Instead, it is useful all the way to our death bed and there it applies its greatest strength.
Death has been conquered and we too will resurrect to eternal life if we are in Christ. When it has lost its sting, death can only bring us closer to the glory of Christ than ever before (Phil 1:21)!
The world offers no comfort for the hopeless. Jesus provides hope and comfort to the dead and dying! Your sins can be forgiven! You can have eternal life! You can glory in God!
“Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” – 1 Thess 4:18
Article Index Published: November 21, 2009
Last Modified: November 21, 2009