HOPE, tiqvâh: Something promised, something we long for. IMMUTABLE HOPE, hope that cannot be perverted (altered) from its original intent and purpose. “So are the paths of all who FORGET GOD; the HOPE of the ungodly SHALL PERISH.” (Job 8:13) There is no hope for those who “forget” God!!! Those who turn away from God, those who choose not to serve God, HAVE NO HOPE!
“God took an oath when He made His promise. He wanted to make it very clear that His purpose DOES NOT CHANGE, that by two IMMUTABLE (ἀμετάθετος: fixed, cannot be altered) things, in which it is IMPOSSIBLE FOR GOD TO LIE, we might have STRONG COMFORT, who have fled to lay hold of the HOPE set before us. This HOPE we have as AN ANCHOR OF THE SOUL, both sure and steadfast…” (Heb. 6:17-19)
It is important to note that God swore His promise not only to Abraham but also to his heirs (we are heirs of this promise). God knew that future generations of His people would be tempted to give up on Him because of the persecution they faced or because of the delay of God’s fulfilling His promise. He knew they would need encouragement to persevere in the midst of such trials and tribulations. God, in His great love, provides this encouragement through two unchangeable things: the WORD of His promise and the OATH which confirms that promise (v. 18). Unlike us, God is ALWAYS TRUTHFUL, HE NEVER LIES or breaks His oaths. He always fulfills His promises.
One great promise, giving us GREAT HOPE, God has made is that we will be, “…CAUGHT UP together with them (those who died in Christ) in the clouds to MEET THE LORD in the air. And thus we shall ALWAYS BE with the Lord.” (1 Thess. 4:17)
-Bill Stockham