Hope by A. S. Hutchins

Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, California · Sep 21, 1876

Hope.

By A. S. Hutchins

“HOPE,” says one, “is the desire of some good, attended with the possibility, at least, of obtaining it; and is enlivened with joy greater or less, according to the probability there is of possessing the object of our hope.” This passion, so natural to man, is much more largely developed in some than in others. Hence, with some it needs moderating, while with others it should be encouraged and enlarged.

We should not suffer hope to enlarge itself to that degree, or soar to that height in regard to the things of this world, as to have a blight or reverse in this direction prove to us what they have with too many.

Joyless, and heavy indeed would life be without hope. Well balanced, and duly regulated, it lifts up the heart of man, enabling him to meet with fortitude the ills and misfortunes he may encounter, and sends him on through life's journey as a bright shining star, rather than an obscured light.

Before the Christian lies the blessed hope of eternal life, as a matter of promise and an object of pursuit. “In hope of eternal life, which God, that can not lie, promised before the world began.” Titus 1:2. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16.

Upon the promises, relations and perfections of God, the intercessions, and meritorious blood of his Son, on the one hand, and faith and obedience on the other, the hope of eternal life is founded.

“He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.” “And being made perfect, he became the Author of eternal salvation to all them who obey him.”

No language can adequately describe the blessedness of that hope which reaches beyond the transitory scenes of time, lifting the curtain of futurity, and grasping the priceless treasures of the world to come. Proportionate to the magnitude of the reward awaiting the overcomer, will be the disappointment in the judgment of those who shall there learn that their hope was based, not upon a rock, but upon a sandy foundation. And “many” there will be of this class in that day. See Matt. 7:22.

Here, as in the things of this life, men suffer their hope to run too high; or, to more properly express it, they do not well examine the ground of their hope. Many talk of their hope of Heaven as though there were no chance to be self-deceived or misled in these things. They refer to the obedience and sufferings of Christ, and the strong assurance they have of reigning with him in glory, because of a certain state of feeling which they have. Some become so enraptured with these feelings at times, as to make themselves believe (or they so talk) that they don't know as they could stay on earth if this blessing fell a little more copiously upon them.

We read of the translation of Enoch; but we do not read that this distinguished blessing fell upon him because of a certain flight of feeling which he possessed. The record is, he “walked with God.” “By faith, Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him; for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.”

Here faith and obedience go hand in hand. To question the happiness of this man of commended faith, as by acts of self-denial and obedience he walked with God, or to call in question the peace of mind and happiness of the true disciple of Christ at the present time, who denies himself, takes up his cross, and follows the Master, would not only be a manifestation of a lack of wisdom, but would evince skepticism with regard to the promises of the Scriptures. Hope, based upon active faith and willing obedience, rests upon a sure rock.

But there is another class into whose hearts we would breathe words of comfort and good cheer. Hope with some is too feeble. God loves them, the Son smiles upon them, the Holy Spirit dwells within their hearts, and angels of mercy hover over them. They believe for, and have words of comfort to speak to, others, but dare not cherish that hope for themselves which they would for their brethren and sisters under similar circumstances.

Let such lift up their heads, and hope in God. The overcomer's reward lies just before you. The palm, the robe, and the crown, await you. Cast your burdens upon the Saviour, “for he careth for you.”

“Lone pilgrim, cease that mournful sigh; Look up! redemption draweth nigh. Have loved ones gone, does earth look drear? Look up! shed not that bitter tear. “Do trials, unexpected, rise? Look up! and view the glorious prize; Let not life's sorrows press you down— Look up! prepare to take the crown.”

My dear brethren and sisters in the Lord, if living in submission to God, and walking in obedience to his commandments, it is your privilege to “rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” A. S. HUTCHINS.