Living in the reality of this blessed hope will mean much to every believer.
The Second Coming of Christ is a Purifying Hope
“And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” (1 John 3:3) The same thought is presented in 1 Corinthians 1:7-8, “…waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
The Coming of our Lord is a Cleansing Hope
In Colossians 3:4-5, we read, “When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:”
The Second Coming of Christ is a Strengthening Hope
“Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.” (Philippians 4:5). We need spiritual fiber for our daily walk with the Lord.
The Blessed Hope is a Patient Hope
“Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.” (James 5:7-8)
The Return of Christ is a Love-Giving Hope
“And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.” (1 Thessalonians 3:12-13. How little love there seems to be among Christians! So often there is jealousy, envy, backbiting, and devouring of one another. God grant more love in these last days.
The Coming of the Lord is a Heavenly Hope
“For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:” (Philippians 3:20). This hope helps us to realize we are heaven-bound, and we are not to live for time and for the things of this world, as so many believers are doing today. This world is not our home.