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That Blessed Hope

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Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, California · Aug 17, 1876

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 2, No. 35.

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“That Blessed Hope.”

“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” Titus 2 : 13. In the above scripture the second coming of our Saviour is designated, by the apostle Paul, as “that blessed hope.” How many ministers of the present day set this before the church as the event for which they should hope and pray? How many hail the signs of His coming with joy; encouraging their brethren, and warning the wicked? Only a few; but, thank God, there are some who are giving the household meat in due season! On the other hand, we hear shepherds of the flock telling them that their hope is at death. If they are righteous they will go to Heaven when they die. Was this Paul's hope? I think not.
But those who have imbibed this idea (that saints go to Heaven at death) cannot see the propriety of Christ's coming the second time, to take them to himself, when they are already there! So they are led to spiritualize the second advent, and conclude that the Lord comes at death, or conversion. O, fatal mistake!
The Jews thought that the first advent of Christ would be as a king, but he came in a very quiet, humble manner. And are not many religionists of to-day as far in error the other way! When our Lord and Saviour comes the second time, it will be as King of kings, and Lord of lords. We shall all know when that event takes place. “For as the lightning cometh out of the east and shineth even unto the west, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.”
Reader, this “blessed hope” will soon be consummated. Jesus soon is coming! There will be two classes in that day: those that are looking for him, and those that are not. Which will be yours? E. T. BEDEE.