0608. The Hope of the Church

The Hope of the Church

The Blessed Hope (Tit_2:11-13).

The Purifying Hope (1Jn_3:3).

The Pacifying Hope (Jam_5:7-8).

The Comforting Hope (1Th_4:13-17).

The Expectant Hope (Rom_8:19-24).

The Unfailing Hope (2Pe_1:16).

The All-glorious Hope (Mat_24:30).

When we discuss the Second Coming of Christ, we should not act as though we were criminals, simply because some people seem to slur the more sure Word of prophecy. Let us rejoice in the Lord’s return because it is the Blessed Hope of the Church.

There are some who say: "Our Lord delayeth His coming." Others are like the virgins, who, wearied with waiting, fell asleep. Others are like the five foolish virgins, who, when aroused by the summons, "Behold the Bridegroom cometh, go ye out to meet Him," have no oil in their lamps.

There are those who dread the thought of the Lord’s return. This is doubtless caused, with many, by a failure to understand the real import of the return. As the real Scriptural teaching of the second coming of Christ grips the heart and life of the believer, instead of his being possessed with a "certain fearful looking for of fiery indignation and judgment, which will consume the adversary, he begins to anticipate the Coming as the climax of all his hopes.

Let us prepare our hearts to anticipate the Second Coming with great joy, and not to be counted among those who will draw back from Him, at His coming.

Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR