THE BETTER HOPE THE BLESSED HOPE
Pastor J. C. O’Hair
In these Scriptures we read of Christ as the BETTER HOPE, the LIVING HOPE, and the BLESSED HOPE.
In I Timothy 1:1 we learn that Paul wrote to Timothy that Christ is OUR HOPE.
In Ephesians 2:12 we learn that people who are without Christ are atheists, without God (atheos), and that they have no hope.
So the human race is divided into two groups or classes; those who have a hope because they have Christ, and those who have no hope, because they are without Christ.
Read what the coming of Christ will mean to those who have a hope in I Thessalonians 4:13 to 18. Then read in II Thessalonians 1:7 to 9 what the coming of Christ will mean to those who have no hope.
In I Corinthians 15:12 to 27 we find many “ifs” concerning the resurrection of Christ and His saints. Note the conclusion in I Corinthians 15:18 to 20: “Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished, If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead and become the firstfruits of them that slept.”
So we read in I Peter 1:3 to 12 that believers have been begotten into a LIVING HOPE by the resurrection of Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away. But there it is stated that the realization of that hope is reserved in heaven until Christ shall come for His saints. This, of course, does not mean that the souls or spirits of the redeemed will be unconscious between death and resurrection. Surely the believer does not depart to be in an unconscious state when he, like Peter, puts off his tabernacle. (II Peter 1:14 to 18).
Paul wrote to the Colossians these words: “For the HOPE which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the Word of the truth of the gospel.” (Colossians 1:5).
In Hebrews 6:18 to 30 we read that believers have a strong consolation because they have fled for refuge to lay hold on the hope set before them. That is a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, because of the resurrection, ascension and intercessory work of the living Christ in heaven. He is our Forerunner - our “Runner-Ahead.” Read these verses with Hebrews 2:14 and 15, Hebrews 9:12 and 24 and Hebrews 7:25.
Now note Romans 8:20 - Romans 8:24 and 25: “For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of Him Who hath subjected the same in hope.” “For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.”
Now note Hebrews 7:19 and Titus 2:13: “For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a BETTER HOPE did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.” Hebrews 7:19. The Lamb of God, the Lord Jesus Christ, on the cross is that HOPE.
“Looking for that BLESSED HOPE, and the glorious appearing of the great God our Saviour Jesus Christ.” Titus 2:13. This is the purifying HOPE of I John 3:1 to 3.
Now abideth faith, hope, and love. (I Corinthians 13:13).
There is no hope in religion, no hope in Moses and the law. The holy law made nothing perfect. But by Christ and Calvary, the BETTER HOPE, believers are sanctified and perfected. This is the good news in Hebrews 10:10 to 14.
Christ may appear at any moment for His saints. This is their BLESSED HOPE. Then all that is hoped for will be realized.
The Greek word “ELPIS”, translated “HOPE,” has no element of doubt in it. We often say, “I hope so.” But the Greek “HOPE” is different. When we tell the reason of our “HOPE,” in obedience to I Peter 3:15, it is. not to be a religious “HOPE-SO” reason but a Scriptural, spiritual “know-so” reason.
What is the Gospel?
Believing Christ died, that’s
HISTORY.
Believing Christ died for YOUR sins
and rose again, that’s SALVATION.
Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel
which the preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you,
unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all
that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the
scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day
according to the scriptures. 1. Corinthians 15:1-4
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Bible: King James Version
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