Dear Neighbor,
Each of us suffer in some way and some suffer greater than others. Sin, suffering and death seemingly rule the lives of believers and unbelievers alike; for no man is without sin, without suffering and all die. Some sin more than others but all sin, some suffer more than other but all suffer, and everyone dies.
The difference between a believer in Jesus Christ and an unbeliever is hope. The apostle Paul wrote: “For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it.” (Rom. 8:24)
The believer waits eagerly for the redemption of our bodies, which is our adoption as sons. The believer is spiritually redeemed but not yet physically redeemed. We have been given the first fruits of the Spirit but we groan within ourselves, waiting for the redemption of our bodies. (Rom. 8:23)
The Christian hope is not a platonic disembodied existence floating on the clouds, but a real bodily resurrection from the dead, heaven on earth, where their is no sin, suffering, or death. All of creation groans and suffers until now. The sons of God and all of creation will be set free from the corruption of sin. (Rom 8:19-22)
It is in this that the Christian has hope in Jesus Christ. The hope of the redemption of our bodies. It is for heaven on earth in Jesus Christ does the Christian have hope.
Michael Peek
Your Servant for Jesus’ Sake
