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Concordia Theological Monthly

Publication Date

3-1-1931

Document Type

Homiletical Help

Keywords

christian hope, revelation, grace, salvation, faith

Submission Type

Bible Study; Lecture; Sermon Prep

Abstract

In glowing language the apostle had pointed out to his troubled and sorrowing fellow-pilgrims through a dark and dreary world the bright and shining star of Christian hope, every word throbbing with intense longing for the realization of his glorious vision. He had spoken of a hope which is not content with the fleeting joys and pleasures of this world, with the passing honors and glories of this · time. No, Christian hope raises its eye to the world to come and expectantly looks forward to eternity for the realization of its desires. It looks forward to "an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that fadeth not away," v. 4. It is a hope for a salvation so great that prophets have inquired and diligently searched into its nature, v. 10; yea, so glorious that even angels, though they always behold the face of the Father, desire to look into the things, v.12, to be revealed on that day of praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ, v. 7. It is, moreover, a hope not based on human reflections and conclusions, but on the abundant mercy of God and the resurrection of Christ from the dead; a hope implanted in the hearts of the believers by the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit, v. 8; a sure hope of an inheritance of which even hell cannot rob them, for it is reserved in heaven for them, v. 4, while their faith, which grasps this gracious gift, and their hope, which confidently looks forward to final salvation, is kept and preserved in their hearts by the selfsame almighty power of God that engendered it, v. 5. From every viewpoint Christian hope is perfect hope, a hope so flawless, so immaculate, so complete, as God alone can conceive and create and grant. This is the hope begotten in the heart of every Christian.

Disciplines

Biblical Studies

Scripture References in this Resource (separated by semi-colons)

1 Peter 1:13-16; Galatians 1:12; Revelation 1:1; John 17:24; 1 John 3:2; 1 Corinthians 15:51; Philippians 3:20-21; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; Matthew 25:34; Hebrews 12:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:6; 2 Timothy 4:5; Ephesians 2:3; John 1:12-13; Psalm 17:15; 1 Corinthians 1:21; Ephesians 2:12; Titus 3:3; Ephesians 2:2-3; 1 Peter 4:3; Exodus 15:11; Isaiah 6:1; Isaiah 40:12-18; Isaiah 40:22-26; Hebrews 7:26; Isaiah 5:16; Acts 3:14; Revelation 16:5; Leviticus 11:44; Leviticus 20:26; Leviticus 19:2; Leviticus 20:7; Psalm 145:17; James 1:17;

Submission Cost

Free

Submission Audience

Laity; Ministers; Scholars

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