My Hope is in the Lord

In this century, probably more than any other, there are a lot of things we can put our hope in. And, we regularly do. Many people put their hope in their career, their sports team, their stock account, even their children. However, there is really only one thing we can put our hope in and know that it is well-placed, and it is this: Jesus Christ died for our sins and gives us access to God, and an eternal future. My hope is built on nothing less.

Indeed, when Jesus lived on Earth, He made it clear that He is our only hope. He is our only way to God.

Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” John 14:6

We certainly know that we can hope in Christ, for He gave Himself for us by dying a criminal’s death in our place. He paid the price for our sin. He bought us with His blood.

You were bought with a price. I Cor. 7:23

There is nothing we can do to earn this gift or to save ourselves from the wrath of God. Apart from Christ, we cannot suppress God’s anger. Our only hope is Jesus’ righteousness.

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. II Cor. 5:21

We also have hope because we know that Jesus now stands at the right hand of the Father – he is in heaven, preparing a place for us, and interceding for us.

This Jesus God raised up again, to which we are all witnesses. Therefore having been exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He has poured forth this which you both see and hear. Acts 2:32-33

Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. Romans 8:34

He, having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, SAT DOWN AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD. Hebrews 10:12

Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. Hebrews 7:25

As this hymn says, we must believe, recognize His work on our behalf, and receive Christ as our Savior. It is only then that your hope will be grounded in the Lord of all hopefulness, the One who will not disappoint you, as other earthly vessels can.

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:1-2

MY HOPE IS IN THE LORD
Words by Norman J. Clayton

My hope is in the Lord
Who gave Himself for me
And paid the price
Of all my sin at Calvary.

Refrain:
For me He died;
For me He lives,
And everlasting life
And light He freely gives.

No merit of my own
His anger to suppress
My only hope is found
In Jesus' righteousness.

And now for me He stands
Before the Father's throne
He shows His wounded hands
And names me as His own.

His grace has planned it all
Tis mine but to believe
And recognize His work of love
And Christ receive.