“This letter is from Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus, appointed by the command of God our Savior and Christ Jesus, who gives us hope.” 1 Timothy 1:1 NLT
Christian hope is guaranteed. A Christian can count on it. It is sure because the basis for Chrisian hope is Jesus Christ. What is this Christian hope? It is the assurance of salvation guaranteeing forgiveness of sin and the assurance of eternal life in heaven with Christ for all who accept Him as Lord and savior. Yes, it’s that simple, and it is hope we can count on.
The various definitions of ‘hope’ in most dictionaries are found in Jesus.
Hope – 1. A feeling that what is wanted will happen. The desire to be assured of heaven is something all people want if they admit it or not. Jesus provides that feeling of assurance. 2. The object of this. Obviously the object of this hope is Jesus who makes it possible. 3. A person or thing on which one may base some hope. Again, this is Jesus. He is the basis for this hope.
Paul gives us verses he pointed out to Timothy in his letters of instruction and encouragement to him. I Timothy 2:5 reads, “For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus.” (nlt) In chapter 4 Paul writes, “This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers.” 1 Tim.4:10 nlt)
Christians have a hope that is not wishful thinking but guaranteed by Jesus Christ, the Son of God. The apostle Paul begins his first letter to young Timothy by stating he was appointed by the command of God and Jesus who gives us all hope. Paul wanted to ensure Timothy that all our hope in this world and assurance of eternity in heaven is found in Jesus Christ, the basis for our hope. Do you have the assurance of this Christian hope or is it still wishful thinking?
Word for the Soul 