The following articles are related to the topic of HOPE

The Hope of Immortality

Throughout the many centuries of earth's history, rational men and women have entertained the belief that death does not terminate human existence. A commonly shared conviction, of course, does not necessarily provide proof of a proposition. Before the age of scientific investigation, vast multitudes believed the earth to be flat, but such a persuasion did not alter reality of our ... read more »

The Hope of Our Salvation

In describing the metaphorical armor with which the Christian is to fortify himself, one of the items listed by Paul is the "helmet of salvation" (Ephesians 6:17). The term "helmet" is derived from a compound Greek term conveying the idea of "around the head." The imagery appears to be borrowed from Isaiah 59:17, where it is applied to Jehovah, a ... read more »

1 Peter 1:3,4 – The Heavenly Hope

It is a strange thing that there are so many folks in the world of "Christendom" who entertain the concept that the righteous, in the eternal state of things, will dwell on the earth forever. The Watchtower devotees believe that all but 144,000 (those who will enter the heavenly kingdom) will live on "God's glorified earth." Many protestants even believe ... read more »

1 Thessalonians 4 – Hope in Christ

The Christians in the city of Thessalonica were apparently disturbed about several uncertainties which they entertained concerning their loved ones who had died in the Lord. Hence, Paul gave them brief instruction regarding this matter and concluded by suggesting: "Wherefore comfort one another with these words" (1 Thessalonians 4:18). Words, especially those of the Holy Scriptures, do have the power ... read more »

The Soul’s Anchor Is the Hope of Heaven

The Czech playwright Vaclav Havel contemplated, "Hope is definitely not the same thing as optimism. It is not the conviction that something will turn out well, but the certainty that something makes sense regardless of how it turns out." For the Christian, however, hope in God is both - things will turn out well, and make sense, "in the day ... read more »

Did the Ancient Gentiles Have the Hope of Salvation?

The Bible student is aware of the fact that the law of Moses was given to the nation of Israel. It was intended to regulate the Jews' conduct and to provide a mode of forgiveness (through the Levitical sacrificial system) when they transgressed the law. Where does this leave the Gentiles who lived before the coming of Christ? Were they ... read more »

Robert G. Ingersoll: Apostle of Infidelity, Robber of Hope

Robert Ingersoll (1833-99) was a mediocre Illinois lawyer whose flair for oratory thrust him into fame in the latter portion of the nineteenth century. He crisscrossed the nation lecturing to large crowds with vitriolic tirades against the Bible. He charged that the Scriptures contain "a great deal of error, considerable barbarism and a most plentiful lack of good sense" (Ferrell ... read more »

Does God Send Delusions? Can a Person Harden Himself Beyond Hope?

I have two questions. What is meant by the expression, "God sends them a strong delusion," as found in Paul's letter to the Thessalonian Christians (2 Thess. 2:11)? How does this harmonize with the concept of God's goodness? Also, is it possible for a person to become so hardened in sin that he is beyond hope? With reference to your ... read more »

The Yoke of Christ

Though the citizens of Galilee had observed Christ performing many mighty works, most of them were not moved to repentance (Matt. 11: 20ff). In spite of that spirit of rebellion, however, the Lord still invited them to: "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and ... read more »

I Want What You Have

The word "covetous" is translated by three words in the Greek New Testament. Epithumeo means "to fix the desire upon."Zeloo is translated "covet earnestly" in 1 Corinthians 12:31(KJV - used in a good sense).Orego means "to stretch after," thus "covet after" is the way it is rendered in 1 Timothy 6:10 (Vine's Expository Dictionary, p. 254-55). The word "covet" usually ... read more »