Looking at the world from a human standpoint, it’s hard to have much hope about the future, but believers can rest in the hope we have in God during these perilous times.
No Hope without Christ
Looking at the world from a human standpoint, it’s hard to have much hope about the future, but believers can rest in the hope we have in God during these perilous times, however, the Apostle Paul said that “If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied” (1 Cor 15:19). Putting it bluntly, unless the unbeliever repents and believes before death, or if they trust in Christ before His return, they have no chance to enter the New Jerusalem (Rev 21:27). Unless they trust in the King of the Kingdom, they cannot enter that Kingdom, but rather, they will enter the outer darkness, where the fire is not quenched, and the weeping and gnashing of teeth will be all they know…and for all time! That will be a time of utter despair and separation from all those they loved and who believed. It will be goodbye, forever. Right now, if you haven’t trusted in Christ, you have zero hope in this life or the life to come, “having no hope and without God in the world” (Eph 2:12c), just as we who believe once were.
Hope-Less
Without the righteousness of Christ, you’ll never enter the Kingdom and you’ll never have the peace of God or true and lasting joy (Rom 15:13); you’ll have no hope or assurance beyond being a victim of circumstances in this life (Rom 12:12; Heb 11:1); and without repentance and faith in Christ, you will face everlasting shame at Christ’s appearance (Psalm 25:3; Rom 10:11). The Word of God says you will cry out in despair at His appearance (1 John 2:28; Rev 1:7). Friends, I hate to be so hard, but this is not my opinion. This is from the Word of God. The mercy of God is not relevant until the sinner sees the wrath of God. These judgements of God are the reason the gospel is such “good news.” It’s good news for those who believe because they can enter the kingdom with eternal life, and avoid the certainty of God’s judgment, where there is no appeal or second chance possible (Rev 20:12-15; 21:7). The only Advocate in heaven that can help you is Jesus Christ.
Great and Precious Promises
If nothing else in this world seems certain, we can be certain of only one thing and that is God “has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire” (2 Pet 1:4). Notice that it is God Who grants these promises so we know they are unbreakable, for what God has promised must come to pass. Remember, “God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it” (Nub 23:19)?
Jesus’ Imminent Return
If every believer lived like Jesus was coming back at any moment…and they should…then why wouldn’t this change the way we live? The Apostle John said that “everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure” (1 John 3:3). The imminent return of Christ is what every believer should live like. If your parent came home and found that you hadn’t done any of your chores or even your homework, you’re not living with joyful hope at their return…but, if you’ve done everything they’ve asked you to do, then you have no reason to fear or be ashamed when they come home. The point is we must live our lives with the eager expectation that He could come back at any moment! Jesus Himself said that “the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” (Matt 24:44), so don’t even try to guess, because you’ll be wrong. So would I, so I don’t even try.
Be Ready!
Jesus’ appearance will catch the whole world by surprise…and yes, even believers. And they won’t get a text about it, or read about Jesus’ second coming on a Facebook post, or find out about it on Instagram or Twitter. No, Jesus’ coming will catch everyone by surprise; like a storm coming out of nowhere. Jesus said it will be “as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man” (Matt 24:27). We’re told to be like the virgins and have our lamps full of oil, so be ready and “stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming” (Matt 24:42). If you haven’t trusted in Christ, you are not ready at all…except for the judgment of God.
Conclusion
The reason we have hope is that God will not forsake us or abandon us during these perilous times. That doesn’t mean we won’t go through great difficulties and endure some hardships, but it does mean that God has never failed to keep even one promise. When you feel like a tidal wave just hit you, run to the Word of God and find your solace there, for it is only “they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31).
We have hope in this life and the next that “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away” (Rev 21:4). The Apostle Paul may have put it best when he said, “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal” (2 Cor 4:16-18). Can I get an “Amen!” to that?
Here is some related reading for you: Hope in God in Hopeless Times
Resource – Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), Crossway Bibles. (2007). ESV: Study Bible: English standard version. Wheaton, Ill: Crossway Bibles. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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