It’s hard to believe that some Christians play Russian Roulette with the Lord. They act as though they have luck to spare when it comes to the Judgement of God—despite the eternal consequences.
Their throw away lines reveal more about them than they may care to admit. I’m sure we agree that saying,
“I’m hoping to get into heaven,” is a far cry from, “My hope is in heaven.”
Hoping to arrive at a destination indicates a degree of doubt. Christians, of course, are not in the business of doubt, and less do we want to perpetuate it.
The hope-filled are stable and focused. The doubt-filled are unstable and directionless.
I challenge you to spend time in the homes of those who have their hope fixed on heaven. It is there that you will find “peace that surpasses understanding.” By contrast, a visit in the homes of those who have their hopes fixed on this world will reveal that that peace is missing. They may have a lot of the blessings that this life has to offer—often bringing them a sense of hope—but the foundation of their hope will expire on the Last day.
Eternal hope is a gift. The grace that saves you is the grace that sustains you. Without the hope embedded in your faith in Jesus, you will lose hope and lose your salvation.
The current state of your Hope has a simple test. The apostle John says,
“And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure” (1 John 3:3).
The level of your desire to be like Jesus and to see him one day is clearly seen in your desire to be like him in purity of body, soul, and spirit.
This is a “Hope Test” that is best tried on us before others.
John Staiger
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