Now let us consider when this “hope” originated. Paul’s introduction to Titus addresses this point: “the hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before times eternal”. This verse indicates God fashioned this “hope” before He created the universe (Titus 1:2; Eph. 1:4-7; 2 Tim. 1:8-11). So, we can trust our Divine Provider whose foresight facilitated our salvation from sin long before we or anything else came on the scene. This concept is difficult for finite-minded beings to grasp, nevertheless, the Father’s promise of “eternal life” for our benefit should rouse a response of gratitude.
This is why Christians are implored to “boast in the glory of God” (Rom. 5:2). The verb “boast” (καυχωμεθα) most basically means to brag or have pride in, which is confirmed by other occurrences (Rom. 2:17, 23; 1 Cor. 4:7; 2 Cor. 5:12; 9:2; James 4:16).1 Additionally, in the following references, we are encouraged to “boast” in God because He is the only One who could and did provide eternal glory to fallen man through the mediation of His Son (1 Cor. 1:29, 31; Gal. 6:14; Eph. 2:9; Phil.3:3). So, based on the love God has bestowed on us, our hearts should proudly brag about the Person He is.
Building on this thought, let us consider the significance of the “glory” God has for His “called ones”, those whom He has titled “saints” (Rom. 1:6-7). The noun “glory” (δοξα) means what is thought about something or a perception. Therefore, the phrase “glory of God” describes thinking associated with (genitive case) who God is or His perceived essence. What relevance does this have to us? Well, in Colossians we learn that “the word of God”, which at one time was hidden as a “mystery”, is “now made manifest to His saints . . . which is Christ in you, the hope of glory” (1:25-27). This passage teaches that the Person of Christ, who is deity, actually resides in believers – the “saints” – and, as a result, makes us partakers in “the hope of glory”.
At present, in Christ, God perceives us as completely holy. At Christ’s coming, we have the added expectation to be conformed to His perfect image (Rom. 8:28-30; 1 Cor. 15:49). Exact terminology describing what happens to us is, “the body of our humility”, now riddled with sin, “will be conformed to the body of His glory” – sinless, eternal bodies (Phil. 3:20-21). And, “whenever Christ may be manifest, who is your life, then also you will be manifest with Him in glory” (Col. 3:3-4). With this assurance, we should be “waiting for the blessed hope and manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ (Titus 2:13 – emphasis mine, see also Gal. 5:5). Christians who track God’s Word will enjoy this life-altering perspective which spawns mental stability and an exciting life.
All believers know when Christ returns, the issues and problems which cause us grief will be solved. But at this time, sufferings related to sin are a key factor God uses to redirect His children’s attention so we will rely upon Him. Note what Paul says in Romans 8:18, “I do not consider that the sufferings of the present time are worthy to be compared with the glory about to be revealed to us”. Developing this thought he explains, “the creation was subjected to futility, not being willing but because of the One who subjected it based upon hope” (v. 20). This verse alludes to the sin of Adam which forced a Just God to displace him and Eve from His Perfectly Created Garden. He did this so they and their children would be challenged by life in a now-corrupt world and, thus, feel it necessary to place their “hope” for restoration in Him (Gen. 3).
Paul now proceeds to explain this “hope” becomes complete when “the creation will be freed from the slavery of corruption (effects of sin) unto the freedom associated with the glory of the children of God” (Rom. 8:21). This “glory” is described as the “revelation of the sons of God” and “the adoption as sons which is the redemption of our body”, both of which take place when Christ reappears (vv. 19, 23). Until the day we are clothed with this glory, “we while having the first fruits of the Spirit groan within ourselves” (v. 23). Our vulnerable state should prompt us to grab hold of our present reality: “We were saved in relation to hope, and hope being seen is not hope” and “if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it through endurance” (vv. 24-25). Christians need to recognize God’s purpose centers on His desire that we “walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor. 5:7). Therefore, we should resolve to seek refuge in trusting His promised “hope” of “glory”, for faith is the mechanism which activates His escape plan for dealing with the hardships of this fallen world.
This dialogue about “endurance” actually began in Romans 5:3, when after encouraging believers to boast in God’s provision for salvation, Paul adds an appeal to “boast in our afflictions”.1 Why should we do this? Because, “affliction produces endurance, and endurance produces approved character, and approved character produces hope; and hope does not disappoint because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us” (Rom. 5:3-5). This passage articulates how trust in our future hope is reinforced when we experience Spirit-enabled character which aids our endurance to handle affliction. The word “affliction” (θλιψις) simply means something which causes friction, and quite a few passages offer instruction on how “hope” can assist during physical or mental suffering (Rom. 15:4; 1 Thess. 1:3; Heb. 6:11, 18). So, let us take pride in this provision and seize opportunities to tackle affliction with the confidence it will effect positive growth in our lives.
More benefits await Christians in the here and now. By utilizing the power of the Spirit, we can have true “joy” and “peace” (Rom. 15:13; Gal. 5:22). Also, we have “access” (προσαγωγην) to God which allows us to directly approach Him in prayer and for needs without having to go through a mediator such as a priest, which was the case for believers under the Mosaic Law (Rom. 5:1-2; Eph. 2:18; 3:12; Heb. 4:14-16). Moreover, we can rely on God in prayer as “the One who loved us and has given eternal encouragement and good hope in grace, to encourage and establish your hearts in every good work and word” (2 Thess. 2:16-17). And, John chimes in with an uplifting truth, “Beloved, now we are the children of God, and what we shall be is not yet manifest, because we know if He may be manifest, we shall be like Him because we shall see Him just as He is. And everyone having this hope on the basis of Him, purifies himself just as that One is pure” (1 John 3:2-3). This text teaches we should be heartened by even the partial understanding we have of the “hope” of being conformed to Christ’s likeness, because this view of our future state is directly linked to our temporal cleansing from sin.
So, how does this heavenly procedure work? John’s use of the verb “purifies” (αγνιζει) represents continuous action (present tense) in our lives and is built on the same stem as the nouns translated “sanctification” or “holiness” (Rom. 6:19, 22; 1 Thess. 4:3-4, 7; Heb. 12:10, 14). God’s current purpose for His people is to live holy lives, to develop qualities separated from sin. To assure this happens, He lovingly trains us using methods which impart His “holiness” and, in turn, produces “the peaceful fruit of righteousness” (Heb. 12:4-11). May each of us internalize this piece of our hope-puzzle, for it acts as spiritual fertilizer which stimulates wide-ranging change in our lives!
Since believers have these advantages at our disposal, God calls us to action. First, we are urged to display “diligence toward the full assurance of the hope until the end” and become “imitators of those inheriting the promises through faith and longsuffering” (Heb. 6:11-12). This includes “holding fast the confession of the unwavering hope” and “not being moved from the hope of the gospel” (Col. 1:23; Heb. 10:23). Then, to prepare for imminent battle, “we should be sober, after having put on the breastplate of faith and love and the hope-helmet of salvation” (1 Thess. 5:8). Being implemented with spiritual armor fortifies every believer, enabling us to stand firm in the midst of trials (Eph. 4:17-32; 6:10-20). Finally, each man or woman who owns up knowing the Word and submitting to the Spirit will gain the capability to “encourage one another and each one build up the other, just as you are doing” (1 Thess. 5:11). May we all ask ourselves, ‘Am I putting these empowering truths into practice?’
Another application of “hope” which requires spiritual maturity is found in First Peter 3:15, “purify the Lord Christ in your hearts, always being prepared to give an answer to the one asking you for a word about the hope that is in you”. On this same topic, Paul affirms, “Your word is to always be in grace, having been seasoned with salt, for you to know how it is necessary to answer each one” (Col. 4:6). Both of these texts converge on one point: When Christians live in a way that exhibits the Lord’s character, unbelievers will observe our lifestyle and naturally ask us about the “hope” that is in us. These organic opportunities allow us to share our faith by simply answering their questions. May “we walk in wisdom toward those outside while redeeming the time” so that our behavior will be seen as different, but also desirable, non-condescending, and non-condemning (Col. 4:5).
Having this resolute attitude as vessels-saved-by-grace, we can effectively share His message of “hope” with the world (Rom. 1:14-17; 2 Cor. 2:14-17; 4:1-6). Those who participate in the Gospel can potentially experience the same kind of “joy” and “hope” which comforted Paul during his first imprisonment in Rome. During that two year house-arrest, his laser focus was “that . . . Christ shall even now, as always, be magnified in my body whether by life or by death”. And, he looked forward to serving the Philippian believers upon his release: “I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith” (Acts 28:30-31; Phil. 1:18-26). This same life-purpose including happiness can be ours too, if we “imitate” Paul’s example (Phil. 3:17). In addition, his perseverance while being captive should teach us confinement need not hamper our ministry.
Another incentive for Christians is featured in First Thessalonians 2:19-20, “For who is our hope or joy or crown of boasting; or are not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming? For you are our glory and joy”. The noun “boasting” (καυχησεως) here shares the same root as its verb in Romans 5:2, so it also means a brag or pride. Yet, many Translations render it ‘rejoicing’, ‘exultation’ or ‘glory’. The reason for this difference can be traced back to the earliest English Versions by Wycliffe and Tyndale. Both of them translated this noun differently in lifestyle passages when compared with how they rendered it in passages describing salvation. Thereafter, most Translations have followed their lead, most notably the ones commonly used today except for the English Standard Version.2
Thankfully, “καυχησις” is rendered according to its literal sense in a multitude of Versions: ‘boast/boasting’ – JND, MLV, BLB, ECB, ACV, LEB, CAB, BIB, BSB, Rotherham, Diaglott, Julia Smith, Worsley, Moffat, Twentieth Century, Williams, Goodspeed, Riverside, WNT and ESV; ‘pride’ – Moffatt; ‘honor’ – AUV.3 Based on this data, believers should enthusiastically ponder how their works/fruits will be rewarded at the Judgment Seat of Christ – an important aspect of our “hope” (1 Cor. 3:10-15; 2 Cor. 5:10; Col. 3:24 – 4:1; Titus 2:11-14). Since we have part in choosing to walk by the Spirit in order to produce these works, we can look forward to earned rewards such as “joy”, “a crown”, and “our hope”; all three items associated with (genitive case) “boasting” or pride (Gal. 5:16-18; Eph. 5:15-20). This truth ought to serve as powerful motivation to live for the Lord in the midst of persecutions dealt our way!
You may have noticed, the four Gospels and the Book of Revelation have not been referenced. The reason for this is simple, the noun “hope” does not occur in them. However, Paul does use this term in the Book of Acts to describe the Old-Testament-affirmed “hope” he taught while evangelizing in Jewish synagogues (Acts 23:6; 26:6-7; 28:20; see also Jer. 14:8; 31:17 [note vv. 31-34]; Ezek. 37:11 [note vv. 21-28]; Hosea 2:15 [note vv. 2:16 – 3:5]; Joel 3:16 [ note vv. 17-21]; Eph. 1:12). When he spoke on their turf, he zeroed in on their expectations which centered on their coming Messiah. After using their Scripture to connect, he proclaimed that Jesus is your “Christ”, the Greek equivalent to the Hebrew term “Messiah” (Acts 17:3; 18:5; John 1:41; 4:25).
Throughout history, faithful Jews have steadfastly held to their “hope” of a Messiah who would save them from their sin and their enemies, then restore everlasting peace to those God returns to the Promise Land. However, in the early chapters of Acts, the Jewish Nation as a whole rejected their Christ (Acts 3:12-26; 7:1-60). Based on their rejection, God began a new, un-prophesied program in which He now saves individual Jews and Gentiles by His mercy and places them into a spiritual Body, thus guaranteeing them a present and future “hope” (Rom. 11:25-36; Eph. 2:14-3:12). Still to come, when Christ returns to earth, God will fulfill all of the promises of “hope” He pledged to the Nation of Israel (Acts 1:6-7; Rom. 11:28-29; Rev. 21 – 22:5).
Most likely, you are not aware the Greeks used “ελπις” (hope) for both positive and negative expectations.4 Its negative use is represented by the familiar axiom, ‘Nothing is certain but death and taxes’. However, this saying is not quite accurate since all will die, but some people are not taxed since their culture does not require it, certain governments operate by revenue from natural resources, some citizens fall below tax assessment lines, and others shrewdly evade taxes altogether.
The Bible also contains a philosophical expectation similar to this axiom proposing its own negative dual reality: “It is appointed for men to die once, and after this the judgment” (Heb. 9:27). The remedy for this sure death and judgment can be found in the context surrounding this statement which says how Christ “has been manifested once at the consummation of the ages for the setting aside of sin by the sacrifice of Himself” (Heb. 9:26). Then, verse 28 looks forward to the day when He “shall appear a second time, apart from sin, to those who eagerly await Him for salvation”. This passage presents Jesus Christ as the only existing “hope” who can exonerate a person from their otherwise inevitable death penalty. For, Jesus’ work on the cross alleviates the “fear of death” – a never-ending “slavery” which oppresses every human being – as well as the dread of future judgment (“the lake of fire”) for anyone who believers (Heb. 2:15; Rev. 20:10-15).
Positively speaking, in the next chapter, the author of Hebrews summarizes his thoughts by listing essential truths which secure our “hope”: “Therefore, brethren, while having confidence for an entrance into the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus which is a new and living way He inaugurated for us . . . let us draw near with a true heart in the full assurance of faith, having had our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience . . . let us hold fast the confession of our unwavering hope” (10:19-23). This “hope” is certain. This “hope” is eternal. This “hope” is backed by the God who created all things. This “hope” is anchored in the shed blood of our Lord Jesus, by which He pardons sinners.
In closing, please ponder one final facet of “hope”. In First Timothy 6:17-19, Paul exhorts his disciple to “encourage” the fiscally “rich in this age not to be high minded nor to have hoped on the basis of uncertain riches, but on God who presents all things richly for enjoyment”. Then, as they keep this perspective and use their wealth to help others, they will be “storing up for themselves a good foundation for the future, in order that they might take hold of true life”. The adverb “true” (οντως) is a form of the verb of being, so it means in a real sense or an actual manner. So, may each of us gravitate away from setting our “hope” on the “uncertain riches” of this world but, instead, cling on to our benevolent Father. For, He has provided “all things richly for” our “enjoyment” plus the opportunity to experience the essence of supernatural “life” through His Son. Equally, may we elevate the Lord Jesus to His worthy and “preeminent” position as our “Head” so He will be able to help us navigate the struggles of this life (Eph. 4:15-16; Col. 1:18). As our Savior, He represents our entire “hope”. Consequently, He merits our full commitment.
