The Christian's Ready Answer
By William Covert
As Christians we are admonished to be always ready with an answer when men wish to know the basis of our hope. 1 Peter 3:15. No proposition could involve a question of greater consequence than this, because our hope in Christ includes all that is stable and good. We show the estimate that we place upon our own salvation by the effort we are willing to put forth in saving others. Also the success which attends our evangelistic labor is determined in a very large degree by the fervor with which we do this work. If we are indifferent regarding our own redemption from sin, how can we hope to lead others to the Saviour of sinners? We must be enthusiastic over our own hope before any one will be led to ask us about it. People inquire most earnestly after those things which they think will do them the greatest good, but shun those things which seem to them undesirable. Our hearts must become the sanctified abode of the Lord, so that we may be always ready to teach anxious hearts how to find the Saviour. Therefore, the constant attitude of the Christian should be that of readiness to lead the lost out of the dark wilderness of sin into the bright light of righteousness. The answer to questions concerning the Christian's hope will be given with meekness, because the Spirit of Christ never leads to boasting; yet there will be great confidence in the answer, because we know the ability and the love of him who gives us hope. The reason of our hope is based upon God's love for man, and the proof of that love is demonstrated by the offering which has been made to secure his release from condemnation. God estimated the worth of every object in heaven and earth, and then gave the one which was greatest in value of them all, to provide man with his blessed hope. And it was the hope5which was provided that became to the man an anchor to his soul, both sure and steadfast. That anchor holds, immovable as the eternal hills. It is the rock of ages, the sure foundation, the shelter from the storm, the eternal, unshakable stay. It is the way, the truth, the life. It is the hope which is rooted and grounded, and which can never fail.