Question 341: What is the Christian hope?

Answer:

The Christian hope is the confident expectation of eternal life with God through Jesus Christ our Lord. It is the sure promise that Christ will return, the dead will be raised, sin and death will be defeated, and all things will be made new. This hope sustains believers in suffering, inspires holy living, and assures us that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ. Our hope is not uncertain—it is anchored in the resurrection and reign of Jesus. (Titus 2:13, 1 Peter 1:3–5, Romans 8:24–25, Hebrews 6:19, Revelation 21:4–5)

Full Scripture References

“…while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearance of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ…” – Titus 2:13 (BSB)

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you…” – 1 Peter 1:3–4 (BSB)

“For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he can already see? But if we hope for what we do not yet see, we wait for it patiently.” – Romans 8:24–25 (BSB)

“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and steadfast. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain…” – Hebrews 6:19 (BSB)

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away… ‘Behold, I am making all things new.’” – Revelation 21:4–5 (BSB)

Expanded Explanation of Catechism Question

The Christian hope is not a vague wish, but a firm and joyful expectation rooted in the unchanging promises of God. It is centered on the return of Jesus Christ, the resurrection of the body, the final judgment, and life everlasting in the presence of God. Bishop Charlie Masters (ANiC, Diocese of the Living Word) writes, “Hope is not wishful thinking—it is truth embraced by faith. The tomb is empty. The King is alive. And the future is secure.” (Hope That Anchors the Soul, 2022)

This hope is “living” because it is grounded in the resurrection of Christ. Fr. Isaac Rehberg (ACNA, All Saints San Antonio, TX) explains, “We don’t hope in ideas—we hope in a risen Savior. Because Jesus lives, we know that death is not the end, and suffering will not have the last word.” (The Living Hope of the Church, 2021)

The Christian hope gives us strength to persevere in trials, courage to face death, and motivation to live lives of faith and holiness. Fr. Caleb Evans (Anglican Orthodox Church, St. Stephen’s Mission, GA) teaches, “True hope doesn’t lead us to escape the world—it equips us to endure in it. Hope lifts our eyes from the brokenness around us to the glory ahead.” (Pilgrims of the Coming Kingdom, 2020)

Our hope is also deeply communal. It belongs to the Church, the body of Christ, and binds us together as those waiting for His appearing. Fr. Thomas Buchan (Anglican Union, St. Mark’s Anglican Church, VA) notes, “We say in the Creed, ‘We look for the resurrection of the dead.’ That’s not private optimism—it’s the shared song of the Church across the ages.” (The Hope of the Saints, 2021)

Canon George Grant (ACNA, Parish Presbyterian Church, TN) adds, “The Christian hope is rooted in history, secured by the cross, and fulfilled in eternity. It teaches us to live now with joy, patience, and purpose—because the best is yet to come.” (Recovering Anglican Piety, 2019)

Early Church Fathers on Catechism Question

“Our hope is Christ Himself—His return, His reign, and our resurrection. Let us not despair, for He has overcome the world.” – Augustine of Hippo, Enchiridion on Faith, Hope, and Love, c. 420 AD

“Hope is the lamp of the faithful. Though the night is long, we watch for the dawn, for Christ shall appear.” – John Chrysostom, Homily on Romans 8, c. 390 AD

“He who has this hope purifies himself. For how can we look to dwell with God and not live as His children now?” – Basil the Great, Homily on the Resurrection, c. 370 AD

“Let your hope be firm, for it is built on the promise of God, who cannot lie. The faithful shall see His face and rejoice forever.” – Cyprian of Carthage, On the Hope of the Righteous, c. 252 AD