Biblical meaning of hope (Missionary Mark Robin Shutes)

Many times we use the word hope incorrectly. We say things like: I hope God will heal me. I hope I will get a better job. I hope this thing will work out in my life etc. When we use the word hope this way it actually steals our faith. But the biblical meaning of hope is very different from this. 

Rom 5:1Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

 

The meaning of the Greek word used for hope here has to do with expectation. This word expecting (hope) is the same as when a woman is expecting a child. She will then prepare things in her home, getting things ready in hope (expecting) of the child to be born. This is how you use the word correctly. So when I hope God will heal me, I make room, and prepare for the miracle to happen. When I hope God will fill me with the Holy Ghost, I already make room for it by repenting and surrendering my life to God.

Paul teaches that this expectation is a result of Gods grace. And we have access to this grace through faith.

 

Rom 8:18For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. 20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, 21Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

 

It’s just like you put a seed in the ground, and then waiting in hope. It’s an expectation. So the next time you hope for a miracle, understand it has to do with expectation. It’s because of the seed that is put in you by the word of God, and that through faith we have access to his grace and all that he provided for us.

The true meaning of hope is that I am expecting it to come to pass because of what he did for us. By faith I have access to his grace, and it is THIS that gives me hope.

So make room for the miracle, and expect it to happen. For we have access to the grace of God by faith, and that’s why we have this great hope.