The first-century church needed hope. After Jesus’ death and resurrection in AD 30, the church suffered persecution from the hands of the Jewish authorities. All we need to do is to read the Book of Acts to confirm this reality. But in AD 64, some 34 years later, the primary source of persecution shifted from the Jews to the Romans. The cause for this Empire-wide persecution was rooted in Nero’s torching of Rome, who needed a scapegoat in order to “save face.” He placed the blame upon Christians unleashing a 3 ½ year long reign of terror (AD 64-67) as the Roman sword began to fall upon the heads of Christians.

During this unprecedented time of fear and persecution, Peter penned his first letter to churches scattered throughout the Empire. What they needed was not just hope, but a “living HOPE,” and that’s what Peter gave them. And in that letter, we find one of my all-time favorite verses of Scripture. During our own time of uncertainty, I’d like to share it with you:    

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy, has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:3-4).

Let’s do some “unpacking” of this portion of Scripture. At the outset, Peter is asking the church to join him in giving praise to God because of His great mercy, which is part of His character, that is, to not give us what we deserve for our continual rejection of and even rebellion against Him. Instead, in His grace, He gives us what we don’t deserve, and that is the forgiveness of sins and the amazing gift of Life. It’s the gift of Life from Jesus that causes us to be “born again to a living hope.”

Peter was with Jesus on the evening when Nicodemus (a respected religious leader of the Jews) came to ask Jesus some questions. At the outset, Jesus knew that Nicodemus didn’t need more religion, he needed “regeneration;” he didn’t need more Law, he needed “life.” That’s why Jesus told him that he needed to be “born again” if he was ever going to see the kingdom of God (Jn. 3:3). Jesus wanted him to know that there was a difference between being born “naturally” and being born “supernaturally.” Here’s what Jesus said,

“That which is born of the flesh is flesh, but that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Therefore, do not marvel when I say to you ‘you must be born again’” (Jn. 3:6-7).

 A Christian, by definition, is one who has been “born again” by the Spirit of God. It’s not a religion, which is based upon good works and religious ritual, but a relationship with the living God. It’s not about obedience to a new set of laws, but about receiving a new life. Being “born again” causes every believer to have a “living hope,” and the reason for that “living hope,” as Peter said, is the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Can you imagine any of the Apostles offering anyone a “living hope” if Jesus were still in the grave? Preposterous!

But there is more to this verse. What exactly is our hope? Peter said that our hope was to obtain our inheritance which Jesus bequeathed to us because of his death and will be ours at our own passing from this life. That inheritance is heaven, the dwelling place of God, and that place is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, and it’s being reserved for us. 

And so, without the resurrection, there would be no forgiveness of sins, no new birth, and no living hope. Now that’s something to celebrate, even in the midst of these difficult and challenging times.  

A few months ago, I found a new “favorite” song, and it’s called “Living Hope.” Maybe it’s a new favorite for some of you as well. The words are a great reminder of the price Jesus paid for our salvation, as well as a reminder of the joy of Easter Sunday morning. I hope you will take the time to scroll through the words, and then listen to or download the song when you have time. Peggy and I send our love and blessings to all of you. He is Risen! Hallelujah! 

LIVING HOPE — Lyrics by Brian Johnson with composition by Phil Wickham

How great the chasm that lay between us; How high the mountain I could not climb;
In desperation, I turned to heaven; And spoke Your name into the night;
Then through the darkness, Your loving-kindness; Tore through the shadows of my soul;
The work is finished, the end is written; Jesus Christ, my living hope.

Who could imagine so great a mercy? What heart could fathom such boundless grace?
The God of ages stepped down from glory; To wear my sin and bear my shame;
The cross has spoken, I am forgiven; The King of kings calls me His own;
Beautiful Savior, I’m Yours forever; Jesus Christ, my living hope.

Then came the morning that sealed the promise; Your buried body began to breathe;
Out of the silence, the Roaring Lion; Declared the grave has no claim on me.

Hallelujah, praise the One who set me free; Hallelujah, death has lost its grip on me;
You have broken every chain; There’s salvation in Your name; Jesus Christ, my living hope.