"The hope of the righteous will be gladness" (Prov. 10:28).
There are four groups of people in the world: those who have everything to hope for and know it, those who have nothing to hope for but don’t know it, those who have nothing to hope for and know it, and those who have everything to hope for and don’t know it. This last group will be our focus today. Here is a portion of the covenant family that possesses the riches of God’s promises, yet they live like paupers.
Unfortunately, many in the church live in spiritual poverty because they do not realize the hope they have in Christ. They act like strangers instead of sons. Often the cause is wrong teaching. They may go to a church that teaches that believers can lose their salvation, that no one can be certain of eternal salvation. But Christ has promised to bring all those who believe in Him to eternal life. If you believe in Him, you have been guaranteed that you will come into glory. Christ says that His sheep are given to Him by His Father, and that no one can snatch any of them from His hand (John 10:28–29). If you believe in Him, you have this confidence that “He who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Phil. 1:6).
This is the hope of the righteous: God’s covenant is sure. “I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from doing them good; but I will put My fear in their hearts so that they will not depart from Me” (Jer. 32:40). Christ’s work is effective: “We have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once and for all” (Heb. 10:10 NIV). The work of the Spirit endures: “Having believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession” (Eph. 1:13–14).
Such good news, such a great expectation, should fill you with joy. Do not let fears of losing your salvation or troubles of this world strip you of your hope for the next. God has given you eternal life, forgiveness of sins, and a restored relationship with Him. Let thoughts of heaven lift your spirits that others will wonder at your joy and ask about the hope that is within you.
Do you have assurance of your salvation? If not, is it because of wrong doctrine? Is it because of serious sin in your life? Is it because you do not believe in Christ’s promises? Or is it because you have never repented of your sins and put your faith in Christ? Whatever the reason, ask a Christian friend to help you overcome your doubt.
