What does it mean to "hope"?

[Bataar]

I know we’re supposed to hope, but to what end? Are we just supposed to hope we make it to Heaven? If one has no realistic hope for anything good in this life, is that a sin?

 

[Big_Ro]

I believe we have to seperate a worldly definition of “Hope” from a definition based in our faith. A Godly definition, IMHO, is a certainty that God will reconcile himself to us through our faith in the resuurection of Jesus Christ. This is how Paul uses the word.

 

[Scoobyshme]

Theological definition of Hope: Hope is a Divine virtue by which we firmly trust that God will give us eternal life and the means to obtain it.

 

[Carlan]

I believe we have to seperate a worldly definition of “Hope” from a definition based in our faith. A Godly definition, IMHO, is a certainty that God will reconcile himself to us through our faith in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is how Paul uses the word.

Yes, Ro, that is it! Our only hope for everlasting life is the hope we have in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Dear Lord enlighten our understanding we pray! Peace, Carlan

 

[fhansen]

I know we’re supposed to hope, but to what end? Are we just supposed to hope we make it to Heaven? If one has no realistic hope for anything good in this life, is that a sin?

If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. 1Cor 15:19

Our hope* begins* here and by so doing actually multiplies the meaning and value of this life while at the same time recognizing the futility of placing all hope solely in the here and now.

 

[odhiambo]

I know we’re supposed to hope, but to what end? Are we just supposed to hope we make it to Heaven? If one has no realistic hope for anything good in this life, is that a sin?

I saw your post much earlier and rushed to answer it, then paused in my tracks.
I decided to fall back on the book I always quote from, “The Faith Explained” by Leo J. Trese.
This is his answer.
“Hope is defined as ‘the virtue by which we firmly trust that God, who is all-powerful and faithful to His promises, will, in His mercy, give us eternal happiness and the means to obtain it.’ in other words no one loses heaven except by his own fault. So far as God’s part is concerned, our salvation is certain. It is only our part, our co-operation or non co-operation with God’s grace- that is uncertain.”

He goes on to say that the virtue of hope is implanted in our soul at baptism, along with sanctifying grace.

 

[Carlan]

If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. 1Cor 15:19

Our hope* begins* here and by so doing actually multiplies the meaning and value of this life while at the same time recognizing the futility of placing all hope solely in the here and now.

Right, We hope in the good things of this life,which God provides for us, and which we come to understand will lead us to the hope of life continuing on with God for evermore, Peace, Carlan