Biblical Answer

The Christian Hope in Death: A Secure and Sure Hope

The Christian hope in death is rooted in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This event in the past gives us confidence for today and tomorrow, and it is the authentic story of hope that hinges on the resurrection of Jesus. As Christians, we do not have a death wish, but rather we understand the psalmist's joy at being saved from the grave. We can eagerly look beyond this fleeting life to our eternal home, knowing that death is a defeated enemy, a paper tiger that has been swallowed up in victory (1 Cor 15:54).

A Sure and Firm Hope

Our hope in death is not a vague or uncertain hope, but rather a sure and firm hope. It is a hope that is grounded in the redemptive work of Christ, and it is through his death and heavenly exaltation that we have this hope (6:19-20). This hope is explicitly mentioned in Hebrews 3:6; 6:11, 18; 7:19; 10:23; and 11:1, and it pervades the entire book. Our hope is not in a hypothetical future, but rather in a future that is certain and secure. We can look forward to our own death with a joyful expectation of being in Christ's presence, and our attitude will be different from those who have no hope.

A Hope that Purifies the Heart

Our Christian hope in death is not just a intellectual concept, but rather it is a hope that purifies the heart. It is a hope that refuses to surrender and sit passively while misery abounds. It is a hope that finds in Christ not only a consolation in suffering, but also the protest of the divine against the powers of evil. As Christians, we can grieve the loss of friends and loved ones, but we do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. Our hope in death is a sure and firm hope that gives us the strength to face the challenges of life with confidence and joy.