Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen…
Twelve things’ Christians hoped for [1] Salvation – we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what we see (Rom. 8:24-25); salvation is a hope and not actually an unforfeitable possession until the next life (Rom. 8:20-25; 1Thess. 5:8; 2Thess. 2:16; 1Pet. 1:5, 9, 13). [2] Righteousness – through the Spirit we wait for the hope of righteousness by faith (Gal. 5:5). [3] Calling – the hope of His calling (Eph. 1:18). [4] Christ in them –the unity with Christ, the hope of glory; Jesus Christ is the basis of our hope of all things (Col. 1:27; 1Tim. 1:1). [5] Greater New Testament glory – the ministration of righteousness exceeds in glory (2Cor. 3:7-12). [6] Future life – we cannot just hope in Christ for the things of this life, because then we will be seen as most miserable; the righteous, however, have hope of reaping life eternal (1Cor. 15:19; Pro. 14:32; Gal. 6:7-8). [7] Resurrection – the whole Christian religion is built around Christ and His physical resurrection and without faith in both men are lost (Acts 23:6; 24:15; 26:6-7; Rom. 10:9-10; 1Cor. 15:1-23). [8] Final rewards – our hope, joy and crown of rejoicing in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming (1Thess. 2:19). [9] Final grace – hope to the end for the grace and salvation that are to be brought at the coming of Christ (1Pet. 1:13; Rom. 8:24-25). [10] Coming of the Lord – the first and last prophecy in Titus (Tit. 2:13; Php. 3:20). [11] Eternal life – unforfeitable eternal life is now hope. Hope that is seen is not hope (Rom. 8:24-25). How can it be a hope and a present possession, as stated in John 3:16, 36; 5:24; 10:28-29? Why do we yet hope for it if we have it, as stated in Titus 1:2; 3:7; 1Timothy 1:1? The simple truth is that it is now given to everyone who is in Christ on condition of remaining in Him (1Jn. 5:11-12; John 15:1-8; Gal. 1:6-8; 4:19; 5:4; etc.).
To be continued…
Living the Word 