Jesus – Our Living Hope
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith-of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire-may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls. ~ 1 Peter 1: 3-8
The term “new birth” refers to spiritual birth, the Holy Spirit’s act of bringing believers into God’s family. This term is a wonderful metaphor of new life from God through Jesus Christ. You cannot be a Christian without a fresh beginning based on the salvation Christ brings. To be born again is a magnificent gift from God.
Do you need encouragement, joy and hope in times of trouble. We should base our confidence on what God has done for us in Christ Jesus. We are all called into a living hope of eternal life. Our hope is not only for the future because our eternal life begins when we trust Christ and join God’s family. God will help us remain true to our faith through whatever difficult times we must face.
Remember… No matter what trials or persecution you may face, your soul cannot be harmed if you have accepted Christ’s gift of salvation. You will receive the promised rewards.
