Learning, Comfort, and Hope from God’s Word

   Our verse gives us three reasons why the Bible, the “things written aforetime,” was given to us.

   First, “…for our learning,” to teach us about God. Nature tells us some things about God. “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handiwork.” (Psalm 19:1) We see God’s glory and majesty in the sky. Romans 1:20 also says, “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and God- head;” Nature does not tell us everything about God, but it can arouse in us a desire to know more.

   The Bible tells us life can be troublesome: “Yet man is born to trouble, as the sparks fly upward.” (Job 5:7) The Bible also tells us how sin came into the world, and why people die: “…by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:” (Romans 5:12) Yet it also tells us God loves us: John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

   The Bible tells us God is Triune: “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.” (1 John 5:7) It also tells us Jesus died for our sins:  “…the LORD (God the Father) hath laid on him (God the Son, Jesus) the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:6) It also tells us Jesus was buried and rose from the dead: “…I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.” (Matthew 28:5-6)

   We also have the Bible for comfort, “…comfort of the scriptures…” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 says, “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” God may not keep bad things from happening to Christians, but in His gracious way, He gives comfort and peace of mind through them.

   Job was a man to whom many bad things had happened. His property was raided by thieves and his servants were killed. His livestock was stolen and destroyed. He lost seven of his ten kids at one time in a house collapse, and he contracted boils all over his body. Yet God got him through these terrible ordeals. When bad things happen, trusting God may not be easy. Yet as 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 says, God can comfort us, and we can turn around and comfort others who are troubled, by the comfort God has given us.

   Finally, the Bible gives us hope: eternal hope. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 says, “Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.” When you know Jesus as Saviour, you have everlasting consolation. You also have good hope, eternal hope, through God’s grace. Not an uncertain hope, but a sure hope of heaven from God.

   God even calls Himself the God of Hope: “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” (Romans 15:13) If you know Jesus as Saviour, you can rest in joy and peace trusting that God is always good for His word.

   To see how to have your sins forgiven and eternal life by receiving Jesus as your personal Saviour, please go to www.clevelandbaptist.org, click “Helpful Links,” then “How Do I Go to Heaven?”

Brian Miller 2/12/2026