SpiriseBible
"For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ." - Philippians 3:20 (KJV)
In a world filled with uncertainty, disappointment, and loss, we have an anchor for our souls—the hope of eternity with Christ. This hope isn't wishful thinking or religious fantasy; it's a confident expectation based on God's promises and Christ's resurrection. It changes everything about how we live today.
The Nature of Our Hope
Biblical hope differs radically from worldly hope. The world says, "I hope it doesn't rain," expressing uncertainty. But Scripture declares, "Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast" (Hebrews 6:19). Our hope is:
- Living hope: "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" (1 Peter 1:3)
- Blessed hope: "Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ" (Titus 2:13)
- Purifying hope: "And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure" (1 John 3:3)
What Awaits Us
Scripture gives us glimpses of our eternal home:
A prepared place: Jesus promised, "I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself" (John 14:2-3). The Creator of the universe is preparing our eternal dwelling!
Perfect fellowship: "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain" (Revelation 21:4). All that breaks fellowship will be removed forever.
Unimaginable glory: "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him" (1 Corinthians 2:9). Our greatest imagination cannot conceive the wonder that awaits.
How Eternal Hope Changes Today
Far from making us "so heavenly minded we're no earthly good," eternal hope transforms daily living:
Perspective in trials: "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory" (2 Corinthians 4:17). Current sufferings shrink in light of eternal glory.
Courage in persecution: "Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you... Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven" (Matthew 5:11-12). We can endure anything knowing our reward is secure.
Motivation for holiness: Knowing we'll see Jesus face to face motivates pure living. We want to be ready for that moment when "we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is" (1 John 3:2).
Freedom from materialism: "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth... But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven" (Matthew 6:19-20). Eternal perspective loosens our grip on temporal things.
Living Between Two Worlds
As citizens of heaven living on earth, we face unique tensions:
- We groan in these bodies while longing for glorified ones
- We engage this world while not being conformed to it
- We build here knowing it's temporary
- We love people headed for eternity
Paul captured this tension: "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain... For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better" (Philippians 1:21,23).
Sharing Eternal Hope
This hope isn't meant to be hoarded but shared. Peter instructs, "Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you" (1 Peter 3:15). In a hopeless world, we carry hope's message.
Every person we meet will spend eternity somewhere. This reality should:
- Compel us to share the gospel urgently
- Motivate us to live as examples
- Move us to pray for the lost
- Inspire sacrificial love for souls
When Hope Feels Distant
Sometimes heaven feels far away and hope grows dim. In these seasons:
- Remember that feelings don't determine truth
- Review God's promises in Scripture
- Recall past faithfulness of God
- Reach out to fellow believers for encouragement
- Refocus on Christ rather than circumstances
Reflection Questions
- How does eternal hope practically impact your daily decisions?
- What earthly attachments compete with your heavenly citizenship?
- Who in your life needs to hear about the hope you have in Christ?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the living hope we have through Christ's resurrection. Help me to live as a citizen of heaven while faithfully serving on earth. When this world disappoints, remind me that this is not my home. When suffering comes, help me remember that it's temporary but glory is eternal. Give me opportunities to share this hope with others who are hopeless. May my life reflect the reality of eternity. Come quickly, Lord Jesus. Until then, help me to occupy faithfully. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Today's Challenge
Write down three ways eternal hope should change how you approach a current challenge. Then choose one person who needs encouragement and share a Scripture about eternal hope with them today. Use your SpiriseBible app to find verses about heaven and memorize one that particularly strengthens your hope.
