THIS HOPE
Jesus Is Coming
"And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure."
1 John 3:3
What hope? What hope is God referring to here? What hope is it, recorded in 1 John 3:3, that causes "every" true disciple to "purifieth himself, even as he (Jesus Christ) is pure"?
To answer this important question, let's look at the surrounding Bible text. Hint: Look for the underlined phrases for the answer to the question of "this hope". Here is 1 John 2:28-3:3:
“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. 1:29 If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him. 3:1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. 3:2 Beloved, 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. 3:3 And every man that hath this hope in him (the hope of Christ's soon appearing) purifieth himself, even as he (Jesus Christ) is pure.” 1 John 2:28-3:3
The "hope" spoken of here in this text is when Jesus shall soon "appear." Do I possess this “hope” of His appearance and “coming”? Those who have this “hope” purify their lives of anything that is not conducive to the pure love of Christ, the Savior. In fact, nothing so motivates personal holiness as does the living hope and expectation of the LORD Jesus Christ's soon return. Though these are two of the most repeated truths in all the New Testament Scriptures (return of Christ and personal holiness), in the American church, much like Laodicea, pastor Patty Cake will seldom ever mention such. Regardless of the purposeful omissions of people who hold positions in the modern church (Amos 8:11; 2 Tim. 4:1-5), God still holds every single believer accountable to know and live His Word and to be alert and looking for the return of the Son of God (Titus 2:13-14; Heb. 9:28).
Jesus really is coming - Ready or not. If I truly believe this biblical reality, if I am authentically possessed by this vital revelation, my life is conforming in obedience to my LORD (Rom. 8:28-29). If we are living for Christ, eagerly anticipating His soon return, our lives are characterized by humility and brokeness before the LORD, swift repentance for all our sins, a
nd crying out to God for His mercy and grace to make us in the image of the LORD Jesus Christ. Oh, and also, telling others of Him (Is. 66:2; Rom. 8:29).
todd tomasella
www.safeguardyoursoul.com
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