Although many don't realize it this is the condition of most of those we know, whether they are religious or not. Paul tell us in Ephesians 2:11-12, "Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh—who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands—that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world." The only end to their lives is a hopeless end.
It continues in Ephesians 2:13; "But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ." Isn't that good news! By the blood of Christ we can have endless hope! We are no longer without Christ, aliens or strangers, but we are now near to Christ and have God in our lives.
In I Peter 1:3-5 we read, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has 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, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." These verses tell us that we not only have endless hope, but it is a living hope that gives us an inheritance in Heaven.
In Hebrews 6:19: "This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil", it is revealed that this hope is our anchor which enables us to face the trials and temptations of every day.
-- Don Treadway - 2001 --
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