The Hope of the Gospel

In the Peanuts comic strip, we find Snoopy lying down, looking forlorn, and thinking to himself.

In the first frame he thinks, “Yesterday I was a dog. Today I’m a dog.”

In the second frame he thinks, Tomorrow I’ll probably still be a dog.

In the third frame, he walks away with a sigh.

In the final frame he’s lying down again thinking, “Ohh…there’s so little hope for advancement.”

I suppose there are lot of folks who like Snoopy who feel helpless, hapless and hopeless. Life has become a drudgery. With little expectation of change.

Others have chased the false hopes of carnal pleasure, possessions and position. Yet these have left them feeling empty. Hollow. And unfulfilled.

Christianity offers a different hope that rises above secular, material, and temporal aspirations. The Bible speaks of the Colossians’ faith “because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel (Col. 1:5).

Further in the chapter, Paul reminds them that they were once engrossed in “wicked works,” but now they have been “reconciled,” and brought into a special relationship with the Lord. One of holiness, hope, with a heavenward view. However, he indicates it is conditional with this exhortation.

“…if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel (Col. 1:23).

Sadly, even some Christians have wavered in their faith, left their first love, and find themselves estranged from “the hope of the gospel.” Others haven’t quit, but they are lukewarm, apathetic, and indifferent. Then there are those who are hanging on, but not growing. Not progressing spiritually. Not achieving their God-given potential.

Let me encourage you to refocus on the “hope of the gospel.” Our confidence is not misplaced. It is not wishful thinking. It’s not whistling in the dark. The confidence of our hope is in Christ (Heb. 3:6). It is the “one hope” of our calling (Eph. 4:4), that unifies, fortifies, and strengthens the Body of Christ, and each individual believer.

Consider these four encouraging descriptions of the Gospel’s hope.

1. It is a Good Hope.

“Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace”(2 Thess. 2:16).

Why is it good? Because it is given to us by God. And it is given to us by His grace. We don’t have to earn it!

2. It is a Better Hope,

“For the law made nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God” (Heb 7:6).

Why is it better? Because it is connected with a better covenant, based upon better promises, brought about by a better sacrifice. It is ushered in by Christ’s coming.

3. It is a Blessed Hope.

“Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13).

What makes it blessed? Because it is symbolized in the Son of God. He is our hope!

4. It is a Living Hope.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Pet 1:3).

Why a living hope? Because of Jesus’ resurrection. His victory over sin, death and the devil gives us hope of our victory. And our eternal resurrection.

Friends, the hope of the gospel ought to embolden us to keep on keeping on even in the face of trials, tribulation, and temptations.

The hope of the gospel offers spiritual security, emotional support, and peace of mind.

Furthermore, it is the hope of the gospel that provides the impetus and motivation for personal and spiritual growth. For discipline in discipleship. For purity in Christian living. For strength to withstand Satan’s assaults. And for the determination to echo the attitude of the apostle Paul who penned, “I press toward the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus”

You’re not a dog. What you are today, you don’t have to be tomorrow. You can change. Develop. Grow. Improve. And one day, receive a new body that is immortal and incorruptible. And live in a new home that is undefiled, unfading, and imperishable.

The philosopher Immanuel Kant offered these three rules for happiness– “Someone to love, something to do, and something to hope for.” The hope of the gospel provides all three.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman