Gospel Hope In Christ Alone

That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. – Ephesians 1:12

The word “trusted” used in our scripture lesson by the Apostle Paul is translated from an ancient Greek word (προελπίζω) meaning “to hope in advance.” Paul describes salvation in Christ as his hope or trust in Christ. What a beautiful way to understand the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ! He is our hope!

The hope we have in Christ is not mere wishful thinking. On the contrary, our hope in Christ is steadfast. Consider what the writer of Hebrews shares in chapter 6:19,20:

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.

Our hope in Christ is “firm and secure.” After all, of what lasting good would hope be if it were not fully grounded and secure? Hope conditioned on the works of man would be no more than wishful thinking built on sinking sand. Believers are the very trophies of Christ’s finished Gospel work, the harvest of souls He has lovingly gathered to Himself to the praise of His glory.

One day soon, Christ, our Hope, will come again to judge the living and the dead. Titus 2:13 tells us that our blessed hope will appear, Jesus Christ! When He does, His people will rise to meet Him in the air! It will be at this point that faith will end in sight, and so shall we ever be with the Lord!

Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ;

The old hymn rings in my mind, “Strength for today and bright HOPE for tomorrow!” Hallelujah to God for giving us Jesus Christ, our sure and steadfast hope of righteousness, our friend who remains closer than a brother, our Lord, our Savior, our Surety, our Holiness before God: Our Hope!

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Jason Boothe teaches the Bible at Redeemer Church of Piketon, Ohio.