Why is hope central to the Christian faith?

Hope in the Christian faith is rooted in the assurance of salvation through Jesus Christ and the belief in His promises. Romans 5:1-2 states that we rejoice in hope of the glory of God, emphasizing that hope is not a mere wish but a confident expectation based on God's unfailing character. This hope sustains believers through trials, as Romans 8:24-25 reminds us that our hope is in what we do not see, and we wait patiently for it. Thus, hope encourages Christians to persevere and trust in God’s plan, knowing that ultimate redemption and glory await us.