The hope that
commenced when we received Christ, and that continues to build as we walk with
Christ in this life, will consummate in all its fullness when we see Him face
to face. Having been saved from the
penalty of sin in justification, and being saved from the power of sin through
sanctification, I
will be saved from the presence of sin.
That’s glorification.
I’m "looking for
the blessed hope," aren’t you? Some
golden daybreak Jesus will come! The
Savior whom we have heard of, we will see with our eyes!
This has a very practical effect during this present
time. John wrote, "everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as He is
pure" (1 John 3:3 ). The blessed hope of Titus 2:13 is set in the context
of verses12 and 14. I paraphrase:
teaching us that,
denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and
godly in the present age, [and what
motivates us to live godly in the present age is that we are]
looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior
Jesus Christ, [the One who saved us and we
will see someday] who gave Himself for us,
that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own
special people, zealous for good works.
Some decry prophecy and say, “Some are so heavenly-minded
they are no earthly good.” If that is
true of anyone, then they have missed the whole point. Immersed in end-time charts and running from
one prophetic conference to another, they are “ever learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (2 Tim.3:7 )
The most important aspect of prophecy is a call to
readiness. I would state it this way and
can back it with Scripture, “Only those who are truly heavenly minded are of
any earthly good!” Heed what Peter
wrote:
10 But the day of the Lord will come as a
thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and
the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are
in it will be burned up.
11 Therefore, since all these things will be
dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and
godliness, 12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat?
13 Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.
14 Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless; (
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