FAITH, HOPE, AND LOVE

Most Bible students know that Hebrews 11 is known as the "Faith Chapter" of the Bible.  The chapter begins with a biblical definition of the word:  "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Heb. 11:1).  The importance of faith is also stated:  "But without faith it is impossible to please Him:  for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him" (Heb. 11:6).  In all, the word appears twenty-three times in the chapter. 

1 Corinthians 13 is known as the "Love Chapter," although the word "love" does not even appear in it.  However, the word, "charity," does appear, and it is translated as such from the Greek word ἀγάπη (agapē), which of course means love.  It is translated "love" (86x) and "charity" (27x).  Agape is a love that gives without expectation of, or a need for, a response.  It speaks totally of the character of the one who loves.

As for the word "hope," I doubt that anyone reading this is aware of which chapter of the Bible should be known as the "Hope Chapter."  Believe it or not, the chapter which has the most to say about the subject of hope is Psalm 119, as would be expected, the writer's hope is based upon God's Word.  Here are the four verses containing the word "hope":

*  "Remember the Word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope" (Ps. 119:49).
*  "My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy Word" (Ps. 119:81).
*  "Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy Word" (Ps. 119:114).
*  "Uphold me according unto thy Word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope" (Ps. 119:116).

In the first three verses, the Hebrew word translated "hope" is יָחַל (yachal).  It is translated as "hope" (22x), "wait" (12x), "tarry" (3x), and "trust" (2x).  Yachal carries with it the idea of a confident hope or trust in what God has said.  In the New Testament, Romans 10:17 explains why the Word of God produces hope:  "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.  In the fourth verse, the Hebrew word translated "hope" is שֵׂבֶר (seber).  It appears only twice in the Old Testament, and both are translated "hope." 

 

Faith will cease to exist when we see Him (Heb. 11:1). 

Hope will cease when we see Him (Rom. 8:24). 

Love will never cease, because God IS love (1 Jn. 4:8, 16)!