THE CHRISTIAN LIFE AND THE HOPE OF ETERNAL LIFE

By Gary Ray Branscome

As Christians, “We should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us” (Titus 2:12-14). However, because Christ, “Will judge the living and the dead at His appearing,” the only Christians who can look forward to His appearing with eager expectation, are those who know that they will not be condemned because, “The blood of Jesus Christ… cleanses us of all sin” (2Timothy 4:1, 1John 1:7). As it is written, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,” // “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one who believes” (Romans 8:1 and 10:4). All who have that blessed hope, “Wait eagerly for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1Corinthians 1:7). “Knowing that, while we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord,” and that “To be with Christ… is far better” (2Corinthians 5:6, Philippians 1:23). For, “It is written, Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor has it entered into the heart of man, the things that God has prepared for those who love Him” (1Corinthians 2:9).

Because our sins have been washed away by “the blood of Jesus Christ,” // “our citizenship is in heaven” (1John 1:7, Philippians 3:20). And, “Because of the hope that is laid up for” us “in heaven,” we look forward to being there with Christ (Colossians 1:5). The words, “I urge you as strangers and pilgrims in the world, to abstain from fleshly lusts, that war against your soul,” remind us that heaven is our home (1Peter 2:11). The words, “We do not have any permanent city here, but we seek one to come,” tell us that “the Jerusalem which is above,” is our eternal city (Hebrews 13:14, Galatians 4:26). The words, “The world as we know it will pass away,” remind us that the life we are experiencing now is only temporary (1Corinthians 7:31). The words, “Let your kindness be known to all men. The Lord may come at anytime,” remind us that we do not know when Christ will come, just as we do not know when our death will be (Philippians 4:5). Therefore we should be ready. As it is written, “No one knows the day and hour, no, not even the angels of heaven” (Matthew 24:36). And, the words, “The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that will be revealed in us,” remind us again of why we should look forward to being with Christ (Romans 8:18).

Having that hope, and knowing that “The coming of the Lord draws near,” should motivate us to conduct ourselves, “In a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ,” in a way that is “Above reproach,” so that those who do not believe, “May see the good that you do, and glorify God in the day of visitation” (James 5:8, Philippians 1:27, 1Peter 2:12).

ALL GLORY TO GOD ALONE