A Lively Hope

I Peter 1:3. “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.”

What immediately came to mind upon reading this verse was Fanny Crosby’s wonderful song, Blessed Assurance.

This is the living hope, the sure foundation of our faith, the Rock of our salvation! “Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine; Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchased of God! Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood!”

A living hope is one that is not destroyed by circumstances. It is that which keeps us moving forward when times are tough. It is the sure knowledge that no matter what comes our way, heaven is our final home.
I love the phrase His abundant mercy. It is not through any good that we may do that we can claim salvation. We do not deserve His mercy. We have not, cannot, earn His mercy. Yet, His mercy is abundant. Overflowing. Available to all. Endlessly available. There is never a time, while a person is still alive, when His mercy is not available. It is His desire that ALL should come to repentance, and that NONE should perish. Abundant mercy.

I need to point out, also, that without His resurrection, His death would have been meaningless. Just another crucified Jewish guy. It is His resurrection, His triumph over the grave, that provides us with the sure hope of salvation.