Our heavenly hope

Hope is prominent in the life and thought of Paul, and ought to be prominent in the life and thought of every Christian. Here in the letter to the Colossians, Paul gives it particular emphasis in the graces for which he thanks God.

The hope laid up for you in heaven is a hope with substance: victory in Christ, perfection like Christ, the protection of Christ, rest in Christ, the worship of Christ, happiness in Christ, and fellowship with Christ. It is a hope which partakes of everything that makes heaven to be heaven.

It is also a hope of certainty. It is laid up (secured by the God who gave it in the first place) for you (saints and brothers borne on Christ's heart when he died for his people) in heaven (God's dwelling place, where there is neither decay nor robbery).

In the light of this glorious and concrete hope, we should (1) take heart and be encouraged (2) determine not to be ashamed of our hope, but to proclaim it (3) fix our minds and hearts where our hope is, where Christ is (4) nourish faith and love with hope (5) be thankful and rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.

For those who are now 'no hopers,' this hope is to be found in Christ alone, obtained by hearing the gospel, and casting oneself upon the Christ who saves.