What is Biblical Hope?

A common definition of hope is a wish. Someone has received some news like a potential job offer, a raise on a current job. News about a health prognosis. The outcome is not certain and unforeseen so usually, there is tremendous anxiety. Why? Because we do not know the outcome in advance. Many believe thinking positive can sway the outcome, but that does not work. I do not mean to sound negative, but our thoughts do not have any mental-bending-telepathic powers to determine the outcome of things. Putting "positive energy" in the universe is nothing more than New Age Mysticism. Oftentimes our hope is disappointed in this life - we do not get that job we wanted. Sometimes a person's surgery or therapy does not improve their health and their situation becomes terminal; they are going to die. 

Ordinary hope is never a guarantee because it is based on those who do not always keep their word.  Sometimes things do go our way. What we hoped (wished) for does comes to pass and we are elated. Ordinary hope realized is not everlasting though. Death will end all earthly hope. If one's hope is not in the Lord Jesus Christ, then you are in a hopeless state and most miserable (1 Corinthians 15:19).

How does the Bible define hope? The Greek word is elpis. It means a favorable and earnest expectation. This hope is based on the promises of God to us. This hope is not something we wish to happen. This hope is a surety to happen although it is in the future and not seen physically. We as believers can clearly see the hope that is in Christ through the revelation of scripture. 

One of the things that we hope and trust is the second coming of Christ. Titus 2:13 refers to that event as the blessed hope. Once again, we are hoping in something that is guaranteed to happen. We have to hope in that reality because it has not happened yet. Once it is actual, we obviously do not need to hope for what we can see.

Romans 5:5 says hope does not disappoint because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. What makes Biblical hope so wonderful is where it is based; the rock solid truth of God's word. That is why we can rejoice in this hope and why it will never disappoint us (Romans 5:2).

The stark difference between worldly hope and Biblical hope is simple, worldly hope will end in failure and disappointment because it cannot bring lasting joy. God's hope, on the other hand, will last forever because it is guaranteed by God Almighty and nothing in heaven, on earth or anything under the earth can stop God's love for us that promises and assures our hope.