Originally published in "The Lord's Coming Herald & Wesleyan Bible Prophecy Advocate," Summer Edition 2004
Looking For That Blessed Hope
After thirty-seven years of walking in unbroken fellowship
with the Lord, I can truthfully say that I am still looking for that blessed
hope of Christ's return! And it is nearer, much nearer, today than it has ever
been.
What is the true blessedness to be associated with the hope
of Christ's return? Is it escape from physical harm or suffering that is to be
enjoyed by those who make the secret pretribulation rapture, as I once believed,
and as millions yet today tenaciously imagine?
No, the true blessedness of the hope of Christ's return lies
not in the selfish creaturely nostalgia of physical escapism, but in the
deep-rooted spiritual assurance and comfort that all true believers will have
when Christ returns, and their commitment to the Christian way is fully
vindicated (II Thessalonians 1:5-10).
Jesus will vindicate himself at his second coming. He will
also vindicate those who have borne their crosses to have followed him in the
highway of holiness and perfect love during their lives below. The true
blessedness of the hope of Christ's return lies in our being eternally
vindicated—of it being made plain for all to see, that it was worth all that it
cost us to have followed Jesus.
This is the blessed hope that does not shrink from
tribulation, but rather embraces "crosses, afflictions, and trials on earth
riches like these to secure." This is the blessed hope that enables one to
live right when everyone around one is going down the broad way that leads to
destruction. Thank God for a genuine blessed hope that is more than emotional
sentimentality. Those who have it and hold it fast will never be ashamed (John
2:28).
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