Biblical Answer

The Meaning of Hope in Dying

When we're dying, hope can be a difficult concept to grasp. The Bible teaches that hope is one of the theological virtues, and it's a continuous looking forward to the eternal world. This doesn't mean that we can live without hope, but rather that hope is something we're meant to do as Christians. However, when our hopes seem to be experiencing disappointment or defeat, it can be tempting to kill hope altogether. This is a mistake, as hope is what makes us human and allows us to live with purpose and meaning.

Rational and Irrational Hope

There are two kinds of hope: rational hope and irrational hope. Rational hope is based on realities with reasonable expectations, while irrational hope is wishful thinking without basis. When we're dying, it's natural to fear that our hopes are empty or hollow, but this doesn't have to be the case. The Bible teaches that every hope or dream of the human mind will be fulfilled if it is noble and brought to God. This means that even in the face of death, we can have hope that our eternal destiny is secure and that we will be with God in heaven.

The Hope of Eternal Life

The Bible teaches that our hope is not just a feeling or a desire, but a reality that is stored up for us in heaven. This means that even when we're dying, we can have hope that our eternal life with God is waiting for us. This hope is not just a wish or a dream, but a promise that is based on the reality of God's love and redemption. As Christians, we can have confidence that our hope is not in vain, and that we will be with God in heaven forever. This is a message of hope and comfort that can bring peace and reassurance to those who are dying. By trusting in God's promise of eternal life, we can have hope even in the darkest of times.