Skeptics of Christianity mock the gospel’s lively hope. They contend it is foolish pie in the sky.
It is true that the fact and content of this glorious hope are stupendous. They challenge one’s comprehension. So, is it accurate to describe the one hope with words such as “sure and steadfast” (Hebrews 6:19)?
Meditating on the one hope requires reflection on “the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power” (Ephesians 1:19).
The thoroughly rational basis upon which the gospel’s hope is built is as impregnable as it is impressive. First, there is the incredible list of what God’s mighty power has already accomplished—the resurrection of His Son from the dead, thus reuniting Jesus’ body, soul, and spirit. Then, there is His raising of His Son to His right hand in the heavenly places (Ephesians 1:20). Next, there is the inauguration of Jesus into a position of authority which is “far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come” (Ephesians 1:21). Finally, there is the keeping of His predicted promise to give the Son of Man a kingdom which shall not be destroyed (Daniel 7:13-14), i.e., “the church which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all” (Ephesians 1:22-23).
A second enduring proof of God’s mighty power which undergirds the gospel’s offer of hope is the ongoing fact that He takes those who are dead in their trespasses and sins, makes them alive together with Christ, raises them up to newness of life—new creatures in Christ, and makes them to sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:1-6).
The gospel’s one hope is the antithesis to pie in the sky. It rests upon the exceeding greatness of God’s mighty power toward us who believe.
May the eyes of your understanding be enlightened.
