Having a Living Hope

“Blessed by 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 and 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” (I Peter 1:3-5).

In the verses above the apostle Peter wants to pay tribute to God and His Son for the
wonderful hope he and all Christians have because of God’s incredible mercy and plan
of redemption for mankind. There is no hope on earth that equals the hope God gives.
Peter describes it as a living hope; a hope that does not disappoint or change. It is a
hope one has only by being born again by water and the Holy Spirit (John 3). Such a
birth involves being baptized into Christ’s death, burial and resurrection for the
forgiveness of one’s sins (Romans 6:1-11) in order that they might obtain an heavenly
inheritance from God the Father. That inheritance is imperishable, undefiled and will
not fade away. It is one’s reservation for a spot in heaven for eternity. That reservation
is protected by the power of God through the faith of the one being born again as they
believe that God will come through with His promise concerning their forgiveness and
eternal life. It is a salvation that is ready to be revealed at any time. It is up to God to
reveal it when He desires to do so. He is patient, not wishing for anyone to perish but
for all to come to repentance (II Peter 3:9).

What do you hope for in life? What do you hope for in death? It is truly amazing that
even in death one can something living; a living hope in Christ.