FROM “WITHOUT HOPE” TO “A LIVING HOPE”
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy as begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:3-4).
Almost all of the New Testament was written to people who were in trouble in one way or another, who were unhappy for various reasons, who were tempted to look back to the live out of which they had been saved. They were unhappy and troubled even though they were Christians. They didn’t know what to do or believe, and they needed help. In other words, the apostles were writing to real people just like us and giving them God’s answers to the same kinds of problems we face.
What did they tell them? One of the primary questions they answered over and over had to do with God’s forgiveness. Apparently, these people had committed so much sin so many different times, they were worried and wondered if God would still love them, forgive them, and let them into heaven.
Like these people, maybe there is some sin in your life that makes you think God couldn’t love you and He just wouldn’t forgive you: “God couldn’t love me. After all, I stole something. I had an abortion. I’ve told a lot of lies. I’ve had premarital sex. I’ve committed adultery or been involved in homosexuality.”
Well, the Bible says you are wrong about God! He knows all about your sins and still loves you. He wants you to come to Him for complete forgiveness and for His help and guidance.
In Ephesians 2:11-12 we read that we were sinners “without hope and without God in the world,” totally undeserving and unworthy of God’s favor and forgiveness. But He extended His kindness to us and instructed us to gladly and humbly accept it and believe that He loves us.
The Apostle Peter writes, “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—kept in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:3-4).
Dr. John Ankerberg
Scripture Reading: 2 Samuel 21-22; Luke 18:24-43
Our good friend, Dr. John Ankerberg will be speaking at America's KESWICK Labor Day Weekend 2006. To order a copy of our daily devotional, REAL VICTORY FOR REAL LIFE, please call Jef at the Keswick Bookstore -- 800-453-7942.
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