Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled, and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which perishes though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
1 Peter 1:3-9

What does it mean to have a living hope?

In the passage above, Peter states that the result of the resurrection of Jesus, God’s Anointed, was our being born again into a living hope. We have attained the status of child of God, so that, when the time comes, we receive the inheritance of God which is stored up for us in Heaven.

This living hope remains with us through every refining crucible so that we will become a better version of ourselves, obtaining the result of that faith, the salvation of our souls.

Most crucially, that faith is not produced from proof of God’s intercession in our lives or some measurable result of His presence in the world. “Though you do not see Him now,” you as a believer continue to operate as someone who has obtained that hope.

A living hope is more than a fond wish for a better future, it is the state of being we have transformed into because of God’s mercy. What is hope for the Christian? Hope is knowing that Jesus lives and knowing He lives, I can know He will save me.

Ethan Kirl

Originally Published April 29, 2021