Why is understanding our hopelessness important for Christians?

Understanding our hopelessness is crucial for Christians because it sets the foundation for a true appreciation of the gospel. In Ezekiel 37, God’s people lament that their hope is gone, recognizing their dire situation as dry bones. This acknowledgment is essential because it highlights our complete dependence on God for salvation. When we realize that we have nothing to offer and are unable to achieve righteousness on our own, we become aware of our need for Christ, who is our only source of hope. The apostle Paul speaks of this in Ephesians 2:12, where he reminds the Gentiles that before Christ, they were 'without hope and without God in the world.' This truth is humbling but vital—it directs us away from self-reliance and toward faith in Christ’s finished work, ensuring that all glory belongs to God alone.