Not in a church. Not in a moral code. Not in a political party. Not in "doing the best you can."

More specifically, hope is in having peace with God through faith in Jesus Christ. Not just giving mental ascent to the historical fact that He exists, but giving up your righteousness (as a sinner) to trust His righteousness (as the Savior). Don't tell yourself that your eternal destiny will simply work out however you design it, when you have God's word on the matter.

• Admit that you are a sinner personally.

• Understand that you can't lift yourself up out of the hopelessness and guiltiness of sin.

• Believe that God, your creator, made provision for your redemption through Jesus Christ's death burial, & resurrection.

• Receive Jesus Christ as your personal Savior by asking him to forgive you of your sins and take you into the family of God.