A Lively Hope

1 Peter 1:3 KJV

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

I like the phrase "begotten again." It is an obvious reference to being born again and it is said to be "unto a lively hope." Gill gives three directions from which such a lively hope may spring:

Because it comes from a lively source

Christ's resurrection changes the bar for all religion. Show me another resurrected teacher and we'll discuss the merits of that religion versus Christianity. Until then the resurrection of Christ so far trounces the others as to have no basis for talk.

Because it produces a lively convert.

True Christians are unique from any other people in the world. The new birth radically changes their eternal destiny to such a degree as to make that which was once eternally dead now alive forever with Christ.

Because it results in a hope that is invigorated and lively

The hope of the Christian is a blessed and glorious hope. It is a hope we expect any moment. And it is a hope that brings cheer to the heart regardless of the difficulty in the world.

This lively hope creates lively Christians, filled with joy and life and energy in the world.