Christian hope differs from hope as we use it in everyday language. The type of hope we normally speak of is wishful thinking or fantasy. Christian hope is distinct insofar as it is confident a better future awaits. Christian hope transforms our lives as we set our sights on this better future, live our lives so that we may obtain it, recognize that our lives all unfold in different ways, and realize the path forward will have obstacles. God is faithful, and so we believe Christian hope is not in vain.
Tag: Faith
Though our various responses to death may lead to different ways we choose to live, there is one response to death we all share: we all, at one point or another, fear death to some degree. The Greek philosopher Epicurus attempted to dismiss death: “Death does not concern us, because as long as we exist, death is not here. And once it does come, we no longer exist.” While some attempt — and may well accomplish — to put on a brave face, all of us share a fear of death, even those who do not believe in God. Greg Epstein, a humanist, wrote, “For a Humanist, the mourning process begins with accepting that death is real and final and that, with apologies to Epicurus, we fear it. Our fear of death is not only normal, and not to be dismissed, it is part of the motivation we feel to live a good life now, while we still have time.” The bottom line is our will to live is strong and our fear of death is very real.
James says we are justified by our works of faith. Paul says we are saved by faith and not by works. How do we reconcile these two scriptures?