Biblical hope and its Characteristics

Martin Luther King in his words stated that “Everything that is done in the world is done by hope“. You think he is right? I think he is.

The major reason we leave our beds to face every new day after the previous day’s disappointment is hope. The reason people struggle to be educated despite the increasing wave of unemployment is hope.

Hope is the reason we keep spending on that sick relative who has been in the hospital for months. The reason we take that examination again without regards to the woeful results from the past is hope.

“Hope itself is like a star – not to be seen in the sunshine of prosperity, and only to be discovered in the night of adversity”

Charles Spurgeon

In general terms, hope is a mere desire for something to be established. This kind of hope lacks a tune of faith and confidence. It is can be likened to a fungal plant (mushroom) which lacks a true root and can be easily displaced by a moderately dense air.

In Biblical terms, hope can be likened to a perennial tree. It has a lifelong lifespan and even if it is cut down. (Job 14:7), it will spring forth again because its root is established in Jesse’s lineage.(Isaiah 11:10).

What then does the bible say about hope?

1. Hope has a name.

Always remember that hope is a person and that person is Christ. It means hope is a total package of all the office of Christ can give to you. We can simply say hope is Christ and Christ is hope.

“To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Colossians 1:27

“Whom” in the verse above is a pronoun that addresses a person. Going further, the name of the person was specifically spelt out as “Christ”. This explains that Christ inside of you is hope, not just an ordinary one. He is hope with a crown of glory and you without Christ is one without hope.

The verses below will open you more to this reality:

• “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

• “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope;” 1 Timothy 1:1

• “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” 1 Peter 3:15

2. Hope does not make ashamed.

In general terms, hope is the probability of the occurrence of two events. That is, there is an equal tendency that both events will take place. In biblical terms, hope is a single-faced journey with a singular goal which is glory.

There is no doubt about this, no variables, no shadow of turning. It can only be glorious or more glorious. The bible confirms this in the following verses:

• “I would have lost hope, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.” Psalm 27:13

• “And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” Romans 5:5

• “No one whose hope in you will ever be put to shame; but they will be put to shame who are treacherous without excuse.” Psalms 25:3

3. Hope sees possibilities.

Biblical hope has no business with the abilities or inabilities of man. It looks away from the man and focuses on the promises of the one who has said “All things are possible.”

• “That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:” Hebrews 6:18

• “And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.” Luke 18:27

• “But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26

4. Hope knows there is a future.

“Biblical hope is not a mere desire for something good to happen. It is a strong expectation and desire for something good in the future.“

John Piper

• “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Jeremiah 29:11

• “Know also that wisdom is like honey for you: If you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.” Proverbs 24:14

• “Life will be brighter than noonday, and darkness will become like morning. You will be secure because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety. You will lie down, with no one to make you afraid, and many will court your favour.” Job 11:17‭-‬19 NIV

• “For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees?” Romans 8:24 NKJV

• “But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.” Romans 8:25 NKJV

5. Hope is eternal.

“Hope is one of the Theological virtues. This means that continually looking forward to the eternal world is not (as some modern people think) a form of escapism or wishful thinking, but one of the things a Christian is meant to do. It does not mean that we are to leave the present world as it is. If you read history, you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were just those who thought most of the next.”

C.S Lewis

• “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” Revelations 21:4

• “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” Titus 2:13

• “That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:7

• “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” 1 Peter 1:3

Like Apostle Paul stated to the Hebrews and the Romans, my final words to you is:

• “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering, for he is faithful that promised.” Hebrews 10:23

• “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Romans 15:13

Has this write-up has ministered to you? I will be pleased to hear from you in the comment section. May the good Lord bless and keep you.

Keep your hope alive!