(Each Saturday, a faith leader offers a personal perspective in this space. To become part of this series, email religion@recorder.com)
Of all the words that could be used to describe the last six months, “uncertainty” comes to my mind the most. Many people are experiencing uncertainty about their jobs, finances, future travel plans, special events, important decisions, school, health, the coming election and how long the pandemic-related state of emergency and its related effects will last. Even in times of no pandemic, uncertainty is still a part of life.
Hope is the opposite of uncertainty. Though the word “hope” is often used by people today in the context of wanting something to happen but not being sure if it will, its usage in the Bible usually means faithful and patient expectation and anticipation. It is something that a person is looking forward to and has confidence that it will happen based on the promises of God in His word, the Bible. Titus 1:2 says that God cannot lie. God’s word can be counted on.
Bible-believing Christians have great reason to have hope, no matter how much uncertainty exists in the world. The first and greatest reason is the hope of eternal life. Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. He made salvation possible by dying for the sins of all people and rising from the dead. All who trust in Christ as their Savior become God’s child. Because salvation and forgiveness of sins is a work of God and not man, those who believe in Jesus Christ as their Savior can be completely certain of life with God after death. There is no wondering if I did enough good or participated in the correct religious rituals. 1 Peter 1:3-5 says, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” The hope that God provides is a living hope that is pure and incorruptible; and it is based on what Jesus did for us, not what we do to try to gain God’s favor.
Another reason that the Bible-believer has hope is God’s constant faithfulness even in times of suffering. No one, especially a Christian, is exempt from going through hard times. God never promises to keep His children from all problems, but He does promise to be with them through affliction. Psalm 146:5-6 says, “Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God: Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth truth forever.”
The God who is big and powerful enough to be the Creator is also big, powerful, and yet close enough to help in times of trouble. The Lord Jesus Christ said in John 16:33, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
When a person knows the one who has overcome the world by defeating death and offering salvation, the future isn’t so uncertain after all.
Greenfield Baptist Church is an independent Baptist church that meets at 138 Main St. in Greenfield. Founded in 2015, this month of September marks five years of preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ and helping people build their lives on the life-changing truth and wisdom of the Bible. For more information about the church, please call 413-356-0150 or visit www.greenfieldbaptistchurch.net. Sermon videos can be watched by searching for “Greenfield Baptist Church MA” on YouTube.