The Reality of Resurrection Hope

Easter falls a bit later this year. I like that because it aligns more with all the physical evidence of spring's arrival. Just like the resurrection of Jesus Christ, spring reveals change in front of our eyes, and Christ's resurrection reveals an even more certain reality of hope and change. But what makes Easter and the hope it inspires so unique? Here are some thoughts.

Its foundation is God and His Promises: Unlike worldly hope, which can be based on wishes, circumstances, or human effort, biblical hope is firmly anchored in God's character, faithfulness, and promises as revealed in the Bible. It's not a vague optimism but a confident expectation rooted in God's actions in history, culminating in Jesus's resurrection and His promises for the future.

The Certainty and Assurance it offers: Biblical hope isn't a mere wish or a possibility; it carries a strong element of certainty and assurance. This confidence comes from trusting in God's nature and track record of fulfilling His word. It's a "confident expectation" (Hebrews 11:1).

It Focuses on the Future and Eternity: While it impacts the present, biblical hope often looks towards future realities, particularly eternal life, the return of Christ, and the restoration of all things. This eternal perspective shapes how believers live in the present.

It is Rooted in Faith: Biblical hope is intrinsically linked to faith. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as "confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." Faith is the substance, and hope is the confident expectation.

It requires Perseverance and Waiting: The Bible often connects hope with patient endurance, especially in the face of trials and difficulties. Believers are called to wait with hope, trusting that God will fulfill His promises in His timing.

It will Produce Joy and Peace: Despite present struggles, biblical hope is a source of joy and peace for believers because it is anchored in something secure and eternal. Romans 15:13 speaks of being "filled with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

It offers Transforming power: Living with biblical hope has a transformative effect on a person's life, influencing their values, how they see themselves, and how they live in the world. It provides strength, courage, and a different perspective on earthly challenges. We are promised access to the same power that raised Jesus from the dead (Ephesians 1:21). That's incredible!

It's a Gift from God: Biblical hope isn't something we generate ourselves but is often described as a gift from God, usually working through the Holy Spirit.

Biblical Hope Differs from what the world will offer us, and it's important to distinguish.

Worldly hope is often uncertain and dependent on favorable circumstances or human capabilities. It can be easily dashed when things don't go as planned.

Biblical hope remains steadfast even in difficult circumstances because it relies on God, who is unchanging and all-powerful.

Secular concepts of hope might focus on earthly improvements or personal achievements, which are temporary.

Biblical hope has an eternal dimension, looking beyond this life to a lasting inheritance and relationship with God.

The hope that God offers is firmly rooted in a risen Savior. No matter how uncertain our current circumstances we can look back to a fixed point in history when Jesus defeated death through his resurrection. This is our hope!

Al Rossi

Pastor BS, THM