by W Trotter
In the epistle to Titus we are expressly told that the grace of God teaches us to look for that blessed hope. The looking for it is the crowning lesson taught us by the grace of God. "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ." Titus 2:11-1311For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; (Titus 2:11‑13).
In the light of this hope, patience is urged upon us. "For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry." Heb. 10:36, 3736For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. 37For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. (Hebrews 10:36‑37). James uses it in a similar manner: "Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord." James 5:77Be 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. (James 5:7).
Peter speaks of our being begotten again to a living hope, of an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that fades not away, reserved in heaven for those who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation, ready to be revealed at the last time. He speaks of the saints rejoicing greatly in this hope, even though now for a season, if need be, they are in heaviness through manifold temptations. The issue of such trials is to be seen at the coming of Jesus. "That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.”1 Peter 1:77That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: (1 Peter 1:7).
Then further he exhorts us, "Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." It is this hope by which Peter, as well as Paul, would encourage the saints under all the afflictions they endure. "But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy." 1 Peter 4:1313But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. (1 Peter 4:13).
The disciple whom Jesus loved, and who lay in the Savior's bosom, is not behind the rest in his joyful anticipations of his Lord's return. "And now, little children, abide in Him; that, when He shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before Him at His coming." 1 John 2:2828And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. (1 John 2:28). "Beloved," he says, "now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is." The sanctifying influence of this expectation he declares in the most emphatic way. "And every man that hath this hope in Him purifieth himself, even as He is pure." 1 John 3:33And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. (1 John 3:3).
As to the Revelation given to this favored apostle-the closing book of Scripture-it is impossible to understand it at all if the coming of Jesus is not the hope of the Christian as we have so largely seen. True that it is the coming of Christ to execute judgment that is most prominently brought out in this book. Along with it are the premonitory judgments which usher in that solemn event, and the reign of peace and blessedness which follows it. But when Christ thus comes, it is with His saints; when He thus reigns, His saints reign with Him. All this implies that they have been previously caught up to Him and glorified. They are those who have part in the first resurrection that live and reign with Christ a thousand years.
I content myself at present, however, with quoting from the last chapter of this book, the closing chapter in the volume of inspiration. This passage shows in the most affecting way what the value of this hope is, both to the heart of Jesus and to the hearts of His saints. Twice in this very chapter the coming of Christ has been spoken of in the way of warning—"Behold, I come quickly." But before the whole volume closes, Jesus announces Himself to His people. "I Jesus have sent Mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star." This announcement of what He is elicits from the Church an invitation to Him to come. "And the Spirit and the bride say, Come." Anyone who has ears to hear is invited to join in the cry: "And let him that heareth say, Come." Thirsty sinners and whosoever will are also invited to partake freely of the living waters. Then after a parenthesis on quite another subject, Jesus replies to this invitation: "Surely I come quickly." It is not a note of alarm, but it is an assurance to the hearts of those who long for Him, and invite Him that He will not long delay. "He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly." The Church again responds, "Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”
The Apostle's benediction on the saints is all that remains of the Scripture. It is with this touching dialog between Christ and His Church, as to Himself and His speedy return, that the Bible concludes. Can anyone doubt that the coming of Jesus was intended to be the Christian's hope? Oh that it were more vividly realized in each of our hearts!