Hope Laid Up In The Heavens!

by PRASHER, G. | Category: Focus | Jan 2007

New Year 2007 dawned against the somber background of a world sadly affected by disregard for God and His revealed truth in Scripture.

Many characteristics of 'the last days' described in 2 Timothy 3:1-5 are increasingly evident today. Paul described the last days as ‘grievous times’, using the Greek adjective 'chalepos', which in this context conveys the thought of 'hard to bear' (W.E.Vine). Thankfully many Christian believers today continue strongly to maintain scriptural standards of behaviour, marking them out in contrast to society's general trends. Nevertheless these may impinge on their lives with difficult consequences.

One such trend is widespread ignoring of God's ordination of holy matrimony. Even when marriage is formally undertaken the union is unlikely to remain secure if those involved are characteristically ‘lovers of themselves ... unloving, unforgiving ... without self-control’. Partly resulting from single parenthood, broken marriages and partnerships without legal commitment is the tragic growth in juvenile delinquency. This seems ironic in an age that offers unprecedented opportunities to young people for education, sport and a wide range of leisure activities. According to a recent report by the (UK) Institute for Public Policy Research, 44% of British 15-year-olds get involved in fights, 27% are prone to binge drinking and 82% are sexually promiscuous. The same Report notes that only 64% of British teens have meals together with their family. In general British children spend much more time 'hanging out' with their friends than relaxing at home. Dislocation of the family bond causes much unhappiness and leads to crime. 'British jails are full of people who come from dysfunctional families'. The Report also indicates that similar problems are in varying degrees affecting other countries of the European Union.

The overall effect of these end-time trends is to leave millions of people ‘having no hope and without God in the world’ (Eph.2:12).

Yet we may still share the apostle Paul's thankfulness for the faith and love shown by first-century Christian believers ‘because of the hope which is laid up for you in the heavens, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel’ (Col.1:3-5 RV). How thankfully we too look above and beyond the present situation, by faith deriving perennial hope from that heavenly prospect.

A hope promised 'before times eternal'

‘In hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before times eternal.’ (Titus 1:2 RV)

The free gift of eternal life is assured to each believer in Jesus Christ from the moment of putting faith in Him as personal Saviour (Rom.6:23). This glorious purpose for each redeemed sinner was in the mind and heart of God before time began. But it was not brought to light until His appointed season, through the preaching of the gospel message entrusted to the apostles by the commandment of God our Saviour (Titus 1:3). Since our present earthly enjoyment of this priceless possession is for only a few decades at the longest, its fuller enjoyment is embraced in the hope stored up for us in the heavens.

‘Rejoicing in hope of the glory of God’ (Rom.5:2)

This text also points to future heavenly glory, of which the believer is assured simply on the ground of having had access by faith into the grace of divine salvation in which we stand. Nor is joy in this hope diminished because of present tribulations. Indeed the very experience of tribulation develops our Christian character (5:3-5). Nor are such sufferings worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed to us (8:18). Hence the further encouragement in chapter 12:12 – ‘rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer’.

Abounding in hope

‘Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit’ (Rom.15:13). The apostle Paul's desire for God's people in Rome was their overflowing fullness of spiritual joy and peace and hope. Through the Holy Spirit's powerful enabling this would be brought about despite all the adverse circumstances and temptations which pressed upon them. May we be graced ‘by the power of the Holy Spirit’ similarly to abound in hope, if granted continuing opportunities of service through Year 2007.

PRASHER, G. | Jan 2007
Focus