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What do the words “No Hope” bring to your mind? Perhaps it is when a loved one was sick, a soldier missing in action, or a number of other things. Suicide prevention centers often use the motto, “Where there is hope, there is life.” Humanity needs Hope but a Hope that lasts forever. God can only give this kind of Hope (Rom. 8:24). Ephesians 2 teaches us that without Christ there would be no Hope. Today, man’s biggest problem is still sin, and the only Hope is in Christ and the gospel (Rom.16:16).
Let us consider the plight of man. Isaiah in Isaiah 59:1-2 pointed out that the plight of man was sin. Paul in Romans 1:20-28 also discussed the plight of man and connected it to a rejection of God that caused the world to be lost in sin. The sin of Adam and Eve caused sin to enter into the world, but in the fulness of time God sent Christ to die for our sins (Gal. 4:4). Man’s plight is sin, and Christ is God’s remedy for sin.
However, there is a person of Hope. Who? Jesus Christ the Son of God. Consider what these passages teach about Jesus as the person of Hope (John 1:29; Matt. 26:28; Mark 10:45; Eph. 2:5). Why is Christ the person of Hope? Because the love of God and Christ was manifested in Him on the cross (John 3:16; Rom. 5:8; 1 John 4:9; Rev. 1:5). How and where does one gain access to this Hope? By one’s obedience that places one in Christ (Acts 4:11-12; Rom. 6:3-4; Gal.3:27). Christ is the only Hope of the world (John 10:10).
Let us now consider the provision of Hope. Salvation is a free gift from God, but how does one acquire a free gift? The first step is obedience that brings us into contact with God’s grace and by continued obedience (John 14:15; Eph. 2:5-9; Rev. 2:10). Those in Christ must grow in the fulness of Christ (Eph. 4:11-16). The gospel of Jesus is the only thing that brings saving Hope.
Finally, we consider the proclamation of Hope. First of all, the gospel of Hope must be preached (Mark 16:15; Rom. 1:16; 1 Cor. 15:14). What are the results of not proclaiming the message? People will be lost without hope (Eph. 2:12; 2 Thess. 1:8-9). Are you sharing the gospel with others? Where would you be if someone had not shared the gospel with you?
Christ is the only hope for a world lost and dead in sin. Have you obeyed His gospel, and are you faithfully living for Him?
Billy Cline
Southside church of Christ
Batesville, AR