“I hope so” is a most common answer that the Lord’s servants receive when inquiring as to the state of people’s souls; but the Scriptures show (Eph. 2:12) that as long as we are in the unconverted state we have
no hope.
No, sinner. Your case is utterly hopeless apart from the grace of God; so you had better discard “I hope so” at once. But believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and then you may know; for the language of faith is not, We hope; but, We know.
“We know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding,” 1 John 5:20.
“We know that He abideth in us, by the Spirit which He hath given us.” 1 John 3:24.
“We know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.” 1 John 5:19.
“We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren.” 1 John 3:14.
“We know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him.” 1 John 3:19.
“We know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him,” 1 John 3:2.
“We know, that if our earthly house... were dissolved, we have a building of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:1.
“These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that we have eternal life.” 1 John 5:13.
Reader, do you know?
“I’m only a poor sinner, but Jesus died for me, and I believe in Him; and God says I’m saved, and so I know I am!” said a dying girl.
Again I press it upon you, that as long as you are in your sins you have no hope; but if you are a believer on the Son of God, you are saved—saved in hope of the glory of God. And this is what the Word of God calls “a good hope through grace,” based on His promises (who cannot lie), which are all in Christ, yea, and in Him, Amen, unto the glory of God by us.
The Christian, knowing he is saved, rejoices in hope of the glory of God (Rom. 5:2).