"We give thanks to God . . . because of the hope
which is laid up for you in heaven."
Colossians 1:3-5
Her dad had been seriously ill for a long time. She said to a friend, "He has given up hope." She was depressed because her dad had lost the will to live. Life loses meaning without hope. Yet, the believer in Jesus Christ has hope beyond this life. It is hope "which is laid up for you in heaven." Our hope is not in this life only. "If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable" (1 Corinthians 15:19). Our hope in heaven is everlasting life from God our Father.
The believer's hope in heaven is Jesus Christ. The resurrection of Christ is the key doctrine of the Christian faith. His resurrection is our inheritance. We too shall live and be in His likeness.
Is there life beyond the grave? The empty tomb of Jesus is God's final Word on the subject. "... when He is revealed, we shall be life Him, for we shall see Him as He is" (1 John 3:2). Christ is the living hope for every believer.
The believer's hope is experienced through the Holy Spirit. Academic pursuits alone cannot rest assured of this hope. Philosophy can only speculate. Science is too limited to guarantee this hope. The religions of this world can only dream of such hope. The Holy Spirit makes real in the heart of every believer the hope of glory. It's a hope that the world can't give us, and the world can't take it away. It is born within us through God's Spirit. It is an abiding gift of the Holy Spirit within every believer (1 Cor. 13:13). In Christ it is hope for you.
Father, we praise You for eternal hope in Christ.
