What a testimony to the watching world! Every level of society, every race, every class—great and small, educated and uneducated, presidents and paupers—all sit in equal humility and gratitude at the “table of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 10:21). They are “one body” enlivened by “one Spirit” who gives them “one hope” (Ephesians 4:4).
“Have the full assurance of hope.”
This word “hope” is not a weak “wishing” for something that might or might not happen. Biblically, to hope means to expect. “Show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end” (Hebrews 6:11). The reason for being so sure is Christ’s proven resurrection. His death was seen by many witnesses and certified by Roman authorities (Mark 15:43-45; John 19:31-35). Three days later, and for 40 days thereafter, His living body was seen with “many proofs” by many witnesses (Acts 1:3; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8). Our “one Lord” lives! “He always lives to make intercession” for us (Hebrews 7:25). Through the Spirit, He lives in our hearts to strengthen us with love (Ephesians 3:16- 19; Romans 5:5). He lives to fulfill every promise He makes for our future.