Revealed Hope

"A surety of hope, or revealed hope, would occur when the Holy Ghost communicates to us that we are acceptable, that the course of our life is pleasing to God. Thereafter, we would have hope, a revealed assurance of acceptability that exceeds normal hope in that it is an actual knowledge.

Hence, the prophet Joseph Smith says that to acquire faith sufficient to exalt them, men must gain the actual knowledge that the course of life which they are pursuing is according to the will

An actual knowledge to any person that the course of life which he pursues is according to the will of God is essentially necessary to enable him to have that confidence in God, with- out which no person can obtain eternal life. It was this that enabled the ancient saints to endure all their afflictions and persecutions . . . knowing (not believing merely) that they had a more enduring substance." (Smith, Lectures on Faith, 57)

When one receives this sublime assurance that the course of life one is pursuing is pleasing to God, the additional gift of hope has been instilled in the soul. Hope, like faith, is a gift of God. Like faith, it will evaporate without the constant influence of the Holy Spirit. Hope is an assurance born of revealed knowledge that you are worthy, acceptable, and on the straight and narrow path. It is not a promise of eternal life, nor is it a remission of sins. It is an assurance that you are on the path to those goals.

How does this blessed revelation come? The same way Moses knew how to divide the Red Sea. "Behold I will tell you in your mind and in your heart" (D&C 8:2). Moroni says hope will make the recipient "sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God" (Ether 12:4).

John Pontius, "Following the Light of Christ into His Presence", p. 112-113

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