Have you taken time to read the opening words to each of the Epistles in the New Testament? They are filled with such encouraging words of Hope and Grace. Each is the beginning of a personal letter sent by faithful brethren to the Churches.
Listen to 1 Timothy 1:1-2: Paul, an Apostle of Christ Jesus by command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our HOPE, to Timothy, my true child in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
As John MacArthur states in his commentary: Christians have HOPE for the future because Christ purchased salvation for them on the cross in the past (Romans 5:1-2), sanctified them through His Spirit in the present (Galatians 5:16-25), and will lead them to glory in the future (Colossians 1:27; 1 John 3:2-3). Now that is true Hope!
From my heart to yours, Sandra J. Mikler Davis, Director Women in Discipleship, Inc. womenindiscipleship.org