Colossians 1:5 For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; I. THERE IS GIVEN TO MAN A PROSPECT OF FUTURE GOOD. The apostle here speaks about a hope. Hope is the expectation of future good. There is no being who is not the subject of hope. We are not content to exercise this passion merely in reference to objects which are on this side the grave. We all think of the state into which we expect to remove. Man would fain live for ever; futurity rises on the soul; and hope implants the high desire of enjoying it. This hope is inspired by the goodness of the God who formed us; He has been pleased to grant us a knowledge by which our hopes may be confirmed and conducted to their final goal in heaven. A beautiful vista of enjoyment is opened before us, exactly corresponding with our views and wishes. Hope is the balm of life; and but for it life would be but a dreadful dungeon, and we should sink into all the horrors of despair. Now, look on the future; survey the landscape which revelation has sketched out. There are the many mansions in which God the Father, His Son, His people reside. These are the beautiful similitudes which are employed to inspire our hopes. They are abodes of purity; they are the abodes of knowledge. There we shall know even as we are known. They are abodes of triumph; they are the abodes of blessed companionship. There we come to God, to Jesus, to the spirits of the just made perfect. They are the abodes of life and immortality. II. CERTAIN REQUISITES ARE NECESSARY FOR PARTICIPATING IN THAT PROSPECT. Hope is founded on faith; and we must believe before we can hope for the enjoyment of heaven. 1. There must be faith in the declarations of God by which the nature of these prospects is disclosed. No man can hope for that in which he does not believe. There must be faith, else all this beautiful scenery will only be like the work of fancy or falsehood. 2. Faith in the method of mercy revealed by God as the only way through which a participation in these prospects can be enjoyed. God has not only revealed these prospects, but also the way to the enjoyment of them. III. THE PROSPECT OF FUTURE GOOD RESTS ON THE MOST FIRM AND INVIOLABLE SECURITY. It is said to be "laid up." The apostle uses the same expression, "There is laid up for me a crown of righteousness." In Hebrews 9:27 the same word is rendered" appointed." It is a thing granted on a firm and imperishable security. How different, then, is it from the hopes of earth. Here the object is as certain as if you grasped it in your hand. 1. It rests on the authority of the Word of God. Let it be assumed that the author of your hope is God. Did He ever inspire hope, and plunge into despair? Did He ever erect a building which He will not protect? Has He. not power? Is He not wise? Is He destitute of goodness? "My counsel shall stand, and will do all My pleasure." 2. The word of God is ratified by the work of the Redeemer. All the work of Christ is to give firmness to what God has sworn. "All the promises of God in Christ Jesus are yea, and in Him amen." The death of Christ does its part, as it is the sacrifice by which the curse is taken away. The resurrection of Christ is the testimony that the atonement is accepted. The present residence of the Saviour is another foundation on which this hope rests. "I go to prepare a place for you." "Jesus the forerunner hath entered in." IV. THESE PROSPECTS, WHEN ENJOYED AND POSSESSED, MUST PRODUCE THE MOST POWERFUL INFLUENCE ON THE HEART. 1. It excites to moral purity and holiness of life. You hope to enter heaven. Heaven is a holy place. God is holy. The inhabitants are holy. All their praises centre in this perfection. You must be holy in heaven; and will you not be so here? "Every one that hath this hope purifieth himself as He is pure." 2. It produces calmness and peace amidst the troubles and trials of the world. The man who has so good a hope of heaven need not grudge to encounter a few troubles on earth. 3. It gives confidence amid the approaches of decay and dissolution. This is "the hope which is laid up for Christians in heaven!" "It is a good hope, a lively hope, a sweet hope — a hope which makes the coward bold, a hope which bears above the world," etc. But is it mine? (J. Parsons.) Parallel Verses KJV: For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; |
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