“…the GRACE OF GOD (charis: a gift or blessing brought to man by Jesus Christ) has appeared that offers SALVATION TO ALL PEOPLE. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to LIVE SELF–CONTROLLED, (the ability to regulate your emotions and actions) UPRIGHT AND GODLY LIVES in this present age, while we wait for the BLESSED HOPE—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for Himself a people that are His very own, eager to do what is good. These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.” (Titus 2:11-15)
The word “blessed” can mean “happy” or “beneficial”; our hope is “blessed” in that Jesus’ return will be an AMAZING, JOYFUL EXPERIENCE for the believer in Christ. We will be BLESSED BEYOND MEASURE when we SEE CHRIST (Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, WE SHALL BE LIKE HIM, FOR WE SHALL SEE HIM AS HE IS. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” (1 John 3:2-3)). The trials of this life will be over, and we will see that “our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18).
Should this BLESSED HOPE of Christ’s any-time return have an effect on the believer in Jesus Christ? John wrote, “All who have this hope in Him purify themselves, just as He (Jesus) is pure” (1 John 3:3). The believer anticipating Christ’s blessed return will seek to live, in the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit, A LIFE OF PURITY. We will all stand before the Lord and GIVE AN ACCOUNT of how we lived for Him on earth, “For we must ALL appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, WHETHER GOOD OR BAD.” (2 Corinthians 5:10)
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham