The Blessed Hope by W. D. Tucker

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 13, 1874

The Blessed Hope.

By W. D. Tucker

“WHEN Christ who is our life shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.” Gal. 3:4. How sweet and soul-inspiring are these few words, uttered by the apostle. We know by this that there is a time when we, poor mortals, shall “appear in glory” with our blessed Saviour. Here in this world, we find no glory. People hate and despise us, because we truly love Christ, and the gospel of his soon coming kingdom. Many cast us off from their friendship because they think we are poor deluded creatures, and know not what we are about. Every day we are persecuted and made a laughing-stock, by even professed followers of Christ, as well as by those of the world’s people who profess not. But such we must expect; for “All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”

We are often compelled to bear heavy burdens—to partake of the cup of sorrow and distress—but through the midst of our tears, and heart-rending agonies, we behold One who is altogether lovely, the chiefest among ten thousand, who always has a kind word for every bereaved heart, and a balm for every wound.

Then let us always look up to Him “who is the author and finisher of our faith,” and let him guide us into all truth, whatever the consequences may be in this world—for we know that if we are only true and faithful to him, we shall in a little while enter into that quiet harbor of eternal rest, and “also appear with him in glory.” Is this not a blessed hope? Is it not a joyful thought to know that we shall soon and forever be saved beyond the trials and temptations, the cares and evil besetments of this life, in a world where joy shall be strung upon every harp, and shall burst forth from the lips of every ransomed soul, in the presence of the Lamb of God? Methinks I hear the echo of the voices of the Christian brother-hood exclaiming in glad response—Yes! amen! hallelujah! blessed hope!

But this blessed promise is only obtained “by patient continuance in well doing.” We must be holy; we must be sanctified; given up wholly to Christ, in order to gain eternal life. Dear brethren and sisters, let us start at once, and with a determination as firm as the everlasting hills, sanctify ourselves to the Lord and his service; for eternal life is worth winning and too precious a blessing to slip from our grasp. And you, poor weary soul, seeking rest in this dark world of sin and woe—pleasures that last but for a little season, and vanish away, leaving you comfortless—I bid you release yourself from Satan’s grasp and flee to the Rock of Ages, who, when he comes, will give you “a crown of life” that fadeth not away forever. Come now, without delay; “for behold, now is the accepted time, behold, now is the day of salvation.” Do not trust yourself till some future day to repent in, for it may be that while you are slumbering in your sins and iniquity, it will be forever too late. Then let us watch and pray; for

Soon the clouds of glory breaking, Will reveal our Saviour dear; Soon to conquer sin and Satan, Will our blessed Lord appear.

—W. D. TUCKER, in Biblical Messenger.