Theology of Hope.

Carl Emerson said:

I tried a thread on this topic and got limited response.

I think it is a very serious issue and effects our world view enormously.

I am not coming with answers -I am coming with questions.

These three abide... FAITH HOPE LOVE

HOPE as it applies to hope in this life for outcomes before we die gets little consideration.

The old covenant promises were full of hope for outcomes in this life.

The new covenant promises are better than the old.

Jesus refers to Hope for outcomes in this life in Luke 18

29 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God 30 will fail to receive many times more in this age— and in the age to come, eternal life.

I invite others to contribute to a theology of hope in this life.

Faith Hope and Love are fundamental pillars of our walk with Him.

We are meant to be people of Hope in this life...

More thoughts and scriptural support please.

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Isaiah 40:31 (NIV) but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

This was part of a song I used to sing with a college and career fellowship when I was in my 20’s. Reading it now seems hope is not a lazy sluggish thing. Isaiah had not seen jet travel in his day, hey now people may soar like eagles. Hope made technological improvements. Sometimes I thought hope was only wishing, but it may be hope is doing.

Carl Emerson said:

Yes - the issue is can we claim promises from the old covenant era?

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Jesus quoted Old Testament authors and passages, but was careful about what he quoted. Some websites in the US .com published lists of Jesus quotes from the OT. A good study Bible might do the same.

Carl Emerson said:

Right... we inherit the promises of Abraham through Jesus - yes?

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If I follow Jesus, I should get some instructions. I have writings in the NT and OT that have been passed down to me by scribes/writers. The apostles laid hands on people then they received the Holy Spirit. The household of Cornelius the Roman Centurion received the Holy Spirit while listening to Peter teaching in Acts 10:44-48.

A Christian may seek the promises in Mark 10:30.

The commandments in Deuteronomy required animal sacrifices in exchange for the propitiation of sin. They claimed to have stoned a man for picking up sticks on the Sabbath. I have no inheritance in Israel. I was born in the USA. We are not a Jewish nation.

dqhall said:

A Christian may seek the promises in Mark 10:30.

The commandments in Deuteronomy required animal sacrifices in exchange for the propitiation of sin. They claimed to have stoned a man for picking up sticks on the Sabbath. I have no inheritance in Israel. I was born in the USA. We are not a Jewish nation.

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"They claimed to have stoned a man for picking up sticks on the Sabbath"

It seems prudent to at least read the story so as to know why the Christ had them written for our admonition, as Paul tells us.

The one speaking here is said to be the Word of God which became Flesh, who came to earth in the person of Jesus.

Num. 15:27 And if any soul sin through ignorance, then he shall bring a she goat of the first year for a sin offering.

28 And the priest shall make an atonement for the soul that sinneth ignorantly, when he sinneth by ignorance before the LORD, to make an atonement for him; and it shall be forgiven him.

29 Ye shall have one law for him that sinneth through ignorance, both for him that is born among the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them.

So this Christ of the Bible is saying it doesn't matter where a man is born, or if he is a Jew or a Non-jew, this Law was for them "both".

30 But the soul that doeth ought presumptuously, (Knowing God said don't do it) whether he be born in the land, or a stranger, the same reproacheth the LORD; and that soul shall be cut off from among his people.

31 Because he hath despised the word of the LORD, and hath broken his commandment, that soul shall utterly be cut off; his iniquity shall be upon him.

It seems this Christ of the Bible is telling us that if we transgress God's Commandments in ignorance, or not premeditated, there is Grace, atonement.

But if we hear God's Commandment, especially after HE Sacrificed HIS Own Son so that we may be forgiven, and we reject the Commandment anyway, then atonement is not certain.

THEN!!

32 And while the children of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man that gathered sticks upon the sabbath day.

33 And they that found him gathering sticks brought him unto Moses and Aaron, and unto all the congregation.

34 And they put him in ward, because it was not declared what should be done to him.

The Children of Israel, including Moses was not sure what to do with a man that so blatantly despised, and so clearly disrespected and disobeyed the simple instruction of the "Rock that begat them" that even a small child could understand.

So they waited to hear what this same Christ, who came in the Flesh, would tell them to do.

35 And the LORD said unto Moses, The man shall be surely put to death: all the congregation shall stone him with stones without the camp.

36 And all the congregation brought him without the camp, and stoned him with stones, and he died; as the LORD commanded Moses.

So it would be important to understand and Acknowledge that it was the Christ, the Word of God which became Flesh, that instructed them to stone a man who despised HIM so much.

And this same Christ inspired a New Testament Author to confirm this same thing.

Heb. 10:26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,

27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.

28 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:

29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?

30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.

31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

The man was killed, not because God cares about sticks, but because he knew the Commandment of His Savior who just saved him from the Egyptians, he was already saved from the death angel once, already saved through the Red Sea, but he had so little respect, so little humility, he despised the Word's of HIS Savior so much, that he basically told this same Christ that begat him, through his actions, "go pound sand".

Studyman said:

"They claimed to have stoned a man for picking up sticks on the Sabbath"

It seems prudent to at least read the story so as to know why the Christ had them written for our admonition, as Paul tells us.

The one speaking here is said to be the Word of God which became Flesh, who came to earth in the person of Jesus.

Num. 15:27 And if any soul sin through ignorance, then he shall bring a she goat of the first year for a sin offering.

28 And the priest shall make an atonement for the soul that sinneth ignorantly, when he sinneth by ignorance before the LORD, to make an atonement for him; and it shall be forgiven him.

29 Ye shall have one law for him that sinneth through ignorance, both for him that is born among the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them.

So this Christ of the Bible is saying it doesn't matter where a man is born, or if he is a Jew or a Non-jew, this Law was for them "both".

30 But the soul that doeth ought presumptuously, (Knowing God said don't do it) whether he be born in the land, or a stranger, the same reproacheth the LORD; and that soul shall be cut off from among his people.

31 Because he hath despised the word of the LORD, and hath broken his commandment, that soul shall utterly be cut off; his iniquity shall be upon him.

It seems this Christ of the Bible is telling us that if we transgress God's Commandments in ignorance, or not premeditated, there is Grace, atonement.

But if we hear God's Commandment, especially after HE Sacrificed HIS Own Son so that we may be forgiven, and we reject the Commandment anyway, then atonement is not certain.

THEN!!

32 And while the children of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man that gathered sticks upon the sabbath day.

33 And they that found him gathering sticks brought him unto Moses and Aaron, and unto all the congregation.

34 And they put him in ward, because it was not declared what should be done to him.

The Children of Israel, including Moses was not sure what to do with a man that so blatantly despised, and so clearly disrespected and disobeyed the simple instruction of the "Rock that begat them" that even a small child could understand.

So they waited to hear what this same Christ, who came in the Flesh, would tell them to do.

35 And the LORD said unto Moses, The man shall be surely put to death: all the congregation shall stone him with stones without the camp.

36 And all the congregation brought him without the camp, and stoned him with stones, and he died; as the LORD commanded Moses.

So it would be important to understand and Acknowledge that it was the Christ, the Word of God which became Flesh, that instructed them to stone a man who despised HIM so much.

And this same Christ inspired a New Testament Author to confirm this same thing.

Heb. 10:26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,

27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.

28 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:

29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?

30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.

31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

The man was killed, not because God cares about sticks, but because he knew the Commandment of His Savior who just saved him from the Egyptians, he was already saved from the death angel once, already saved through the Red Sea, but he had so little respect, so little humility, he despised the Word's of HIS Savior so much, that he basically told this same Christ that begat him, through his actions, "go pound sand".

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Israel has not executed anyone in years. Some US states banned the death penalty.

It is good that people should learn not to murder. If they knew not to murder they would not have executed God’s son.

dqhall said:

Israel has not executed anyone in years. Some US states banned the death penalty.

It is good that people should learn not to murder. If they knew not to murder they would not have executed God’s son.

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The story you singled out regarding sticks isn't about "murder", neither was my reply. It was about religious men, claiming the God of the Bible as their God, but despising His Instructions, and also how much the Christ of the Bible hates and detests such behavior.

Carl Emerson said:

Can we please get back to the question I raised in the OP.

... On what basis do we have hope in this life ??

Can we cherry pick promises from the OT based on the Character of God not changing from age to age.

Can we expect better promises than we read in Deut 28 because Jesus kept the Law for us?

Can we claim the promises of Abraham - the 'father of all who have faith' that we receive through Christ according to Gal 3.

What scriptural support do we have for hope in this life?

Are we missing out on good outcomes because we fail to actively believe and trust His word in this regard?

Please some serious responses to this important issue that ultimately has a deep effect on the life of the Body of Christ.

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“On what basis do we have hope in this life ??”

and IN HIS NAME the Gentiles will HOPE." -Matthew 12:21
Why ? because we have heard :
Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but WHOEVER DOES NOT BELIEVE IS CONDEMNED ALREADY, BECAUSE he has NOT BELIEVED IN THE NAME OF THE ONLY SON OF GOD. -John 3:18

Therefore, the Gentiles who believe in the name of the only Son of God, will have HOPE.

“Can we cherry pick promises from the OT based on the Character of God not changing from age to age.”

As we have heard :
which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been REVEALED to his holy apostles and prophets by THE SPIRIT. -Ephesians 3:5
This mystery is that the Gentiles are FELLOW HEIRS, members of the same body, and partakers OF THE PROMISE in Christ Jesus through the gospel. -Ephesians 3:6

We have heard that the Holy Spirit has revealed to the apostles and prophets that the Gentiles are fellow heirs together with Israel, members together of the same body of Christ, and partakers with Israel with what God has promised in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

So it is obvious that the Gentile are also partakers of the promises in the Old Testament.

As we have heard that the Lord have spoken:
"Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to FULFILL them. -Matthew 5:17

So because we are also the partakers of the promises in Old Testament, the Lord is able to fulfill them in our life.

Yes, including the promises in Deuteronomy 28.

Can we claim the promises of Abraham - the 'father of all who have faith' that we receive through Christ according to Gal 3.

Yes the promises of Abraham is even confirmed in the Epistle written to Galatian :

so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might COME TO THE GENTILES, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith. -Galatians 3:14

Are we missing out on good outcomes because we fail to actively believe and trust His word in this regard?

Have you heard what the Lord have spoken:
Do not my words do good to him who walks uprightly? -Micah 2:7

So, this is spoken so that we put hope in His words, just like the psalmist have said :

My soul longs for your salvation; I hope in your word. -Psalms 119:81

In regard to what the Lord have spoken:
And he said to them, "Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, -Luke 18:29
who will not receive many times more in this time, and in the age to come eternal life." -Luke 18:30

The apostles indeed receive many times more in this time and that we have heard :

So those who received his word were baptized, and there were ADDED that day about three thousand souls. -Acts 2:41
And all who believed were together and had all things in common. -Acts 2:44
And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. -Acts 2:45
And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread IN THEIR HOMES, they RECEIVED their food WITH GLAD and generous hearts, -Acts 2:46
praising God and HAVING FAVOR with all the people. And the Lord ADDED to their number day by day those who were being saved. -Acts 2:47

Indeed, the apostles left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God.
Indeed, the apostles receive many times more in this time: brother and sister and mother who does the will of the Father in Heaven.
Indeed, the apostles were received in the homes of those who were saved.

So it is not that hope before we die that the Lord holds little consideration but much more.

Even in this hour of judgement, where events of global proportions affects many lives; like coronavirus, global weather conditions like the raising of sea level, international crisis of forests fire, flooding, earthquake, severe hurricane, severe frosts, other plagues, wars, famine, nuclear meltdown danger, livelihood hardship, prosecutions and economic troubles. GOD STILL GIVES GRACE BUT TO THE HUMBLE OF THE LAND.

As we have heard :
Seek the Lord, ALL YOU HUMBLE OF THE LAND, who do His just commands; seek righteousness; seek humility; perhaps you may be HIDDEN on the day of the anger of the Lord.-Zephaniah 2:3

How do we have HOPE ?
This is what we have heard:
But this I CALL TO MIND, and therefore I HAVE HOPE: -Lamentations 3:21

How ?
and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, -Ephesians 4:23
How?
For to set the mind on the flesh is DEATH, but to set the mind on the Spirit is LIFE and PEACE. -Romans 8:6

So, it is important to call to mind and that our mind are set on the things of the Spirit, then we have godly life and godly peace.

As we have been warned:

As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, NOR TO SET THEIR HOPES ON THE UNCERTAINTY OF RICHES, BUT ON GOD, who richly provides us with EVERYTHING to enjoy. -1 Timothy 6:17

Carl Emerson said:

Yes - the issue is can we claim promises from the old covenant era?

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Yes because Israel and the Church are now joined. Church grafted onto Israel so all spiritual blessings for Abrahams children are for the Church as well. The bride.

These are a few thoughts to add to the discussion of this important topic.

Hope is a confidence that we will receive what we ask for.

It is clear that we will receive whatever we ask that is in accordance with his will.


The question then is “how do we know that what we ask is the will and purpose of God?”

I believe that we need to approach this question on two levels.

The first is to allow the Holy Spirit to equip us with an understanding of God’s overall purpose in Creation and Redemption.


It is when we start to have a grasp of these fundamental truths that we can gain some understanding of what God is doing in our lives and the lives of those around us.


In a particular situation, it is when these questions have been settled deep within our hearts, that we are able to pray the prayer of faith and actually receive what we ask for.
Your brother in Christ
(Allan) John Walker

The reason that we have been placed on this planet is made very clear to us in Scripture.

God’s purpose is to change us into the likeness of Jesus Christ. We see this again in 2 Corinthians.

Christ in you
He starts this process at the moment of the New Birth by embedding his life within us …

…and sharing with us his divine nature.

His life in us
The New Testament describes, in many places, the qualities of the Christian life. It is not so much telling how we should live our lives. Rather it is telling us how we will live our lives as Christ lives his life in us.



God’s Rest
This is what is being talked about in Hebrews.
We are here told that we are to leave this process of transformation to God.

Our part is to put our faith in what God is doing in us.

Faith and Cooperation
Our faith opens the way for an understanding of how God is working within us and why. We thereby gain the ability to cooperate with what he is doing.

Having been advised that we “may participate in the divine nature” we are then told to work with God and he works the qualities of his nature into our character.

Our Jar of Clay
We are reminded that this new life that we experience is not our own but is the life of Christ.

This life is progressively revealed to us as we become aware of our own weakness.
As we realise that we cannot rely upon ourselves we become increasingly conscious of our need to rely upon the God who lives in us. This is the basis of faith.

Our “jar of clay” actually struggles against what God is working to do in us.

God’s ultimate act of Redemption will be the ridding us of the remnants of our fallen human nature, that is the “jar of clay.”

The Gift of Righteousness
In the meantime, God has given us the gift of His Righteousness.

The day to day out-working of this profound gift in the life of a child of God is described for us: