The Scriptural usage of the word hope differs from the more general which tends to express something we desire but are unsure as to its accomplishment. The biblical rendering of hope however, as descriptive of the grace of hope, is rather that of confident expectation than an uncertain desire. This sermon examines hope in the light of Old and New Testament Scriptures. In the Old Testament the emphasis largely centres upon the ‘hope of Israel’ in the coming of the promised Saviour, encompassing all of the benefits of redemption, when believing Israelites like Simeon were ‘waiting for the consolation of Israel.’ Hope therefore is that which arises out of faith from a persuasion of the promises, and enables the soul to wait with confident expectation for the fulfilment of God’s word. In the New Testament the emphasis given to hope naturally turns to Christ’s second coming, and includes all that is to be fulfilled in prophecy until the last day as the advance of the gospel amongst Jews and Gentiles, (Romans 11) and beyond to the promised resurrection, and the new heavens and the new earth. Hope in the New Testament is often descriptive of what is unseen as opposed to what is seen, ‘for what a man sees why doth he yet hope for?’ Hope regards as sure unseen but promised future things, and waits for their accomplishment. The sermon further shows that it is not of the essence of Christian hope that Christ may come at any time, only that he certainly will come at the Divinely appointed time (2 Thess. 2:2&16). This biblical understanding of hope casts light upon 1 Corinthians 13:13 and confirms that verse 8 onwards is dealing with the contrast between partial revelation and completed Scripture, rather than our present knowledge on earth and that in heaven; for as that which passes away is contrasted with that which abides, there abides not in heaven this faith and hope. We are then encouraged to seek this hope and to possess the comfort of knowing we shall be partakers of the glory which shall be revealed. “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” Romans 15:4
"Hope fills the afflicted soul with such inward joy and consolation, that it can laugh while tears are in the eye, sigh and sing all in a breath; it is called "the rejoicing of hope" (Hebrews 3:6) WILLIAM GURNALL
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