The Blessed Hope

2 Peter 3:9 KJV

[9] The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count
slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should
perish, but that all should come to repentance.

What is our hope?

All the discourses that we give are plainly to reveal that we are waiting,
working, and praying for the coming of the Son of God. His coming is
our hope. This hope is to be bound up with all our words and works,
with all our associations and relationships.—Letter 150, 1902. –
{Evangelism 220.1}

What hope does Christ’s second coming give us?

[19] If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men
most miserable.
1 Corinthians 15:19 KJV

“THE doctrine of the second advent is the very key-note of the Sacred
Scriptures. From the day the first pair turned their sorrowing steps from
Eden, the children of faith have waited the coming of the Promised One
to break the destroyer's power and bring them again to the lost
Paradise." G.C. 299.”

Why will Christ come?

[20] For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by
reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, [21] Because the
creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into
the glorious liberty of the children of God. [22] For we know that the
whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. [23]
And not only they , but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the
Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the
adoption, to wit , the redemption of our body. Romans 8:20-23 KJV

THE HOPES.

 The inheritance of the Saints will be redeem.

• Gen. 3:17. The Lord said unto Adam: "Cursed is the ground
for thy sake." Adam's sin affected the earth.
• Isa. 24:5. "The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants
thereof."
• Mark 3:26, 27. Satan is prince of this world. Some one
stronger than Satan must arise to destroy him and remove the
curse.
15
 • Heb. 2:14-16. Christ partook of flesh and blood, became one
of the sons of Adam, clothed Himself in humanity that He might
destroy the devil. E.W. 150.
• Lev. 25:23-25. When God placed Israel in the promised land,
He gave him special directions that the land should never be sold.
If one became involved[…]”
• Heb. 2:17. Christ partook of the nature of man, became our
brother, one "near of kin," that He might deliver us and pay the
redemption price for the earth. D.A. 327.
• Eph. 1:13, 14. The future inheritance of the saints is called
"the purchased possession"; it has been bought by the precious
blood of Christ.

I. AN HOPE THAT HE WILL TAKE US HOME.

We are living in the closing scenes of this earth’s history.

Prophecy is rapidly fulfilling. The hours of probation are fast
passing. We have no time—not a moment—to lose.
The Lord is soon to come, and we must be prepared to meet
Him in peace
We are nearing the time when Christ will come with power
and great glory, to take His ransomed ones to their eternal
home. – {Mar 106.5}

II. AN HOPE THAT MAKES US TO LOOK BEYOND THE GRAVE

WITH A SMILE IN OUR FACE.

How was this hope confort Job in his affliction?

[25] For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at
the latter day upon the earth: [26] And though after my skin worms
destroy this body , yet in my flesh shall I see God: Job 19:25-26
KJV

He shall change our mortal body - Philippians 3:20-21 KJV

[20] For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look
for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: [21] Who shall change our
vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious
body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue
all things unto himself.

III. AN HOPE THAT MOTIVATES US TO A PURER LIFE.

[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. [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] And every man that hath this hope in him
purifieth himself, even as he is pure. 1 John 3:1-3 KJV

The little while of tarrying is almost ended. The pilgrims and

strangers who have so long been seeking a better country are
almost home. Let the blessed hope of our Saviour’s soon appearing
inspire us with fresh courage, and give vigor to every Christian
grace. “Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be
diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and
blameless.” – {RH October 26, 1886 Par. 14}

What would the hope of Christ’s second inspire?

If we believe this and bring it into our practical life, what vigorous action
would this faith and hope inspire; what fervent love one for another; what
careful holy living for the glory of God; and in our respect for the
recompense of the reward, what distinct lines of demarcation would be
evidenced between us and the world.—Manuscript 39, 1893. –
{Evangelism 220.4}

IV. AN HOPE THAT MOTIVATES US TO ACTIONS.

How are we to work as we see the day approaching?

Living power must attend the message of Christ’s second
appearing. We must not rest until we see many souls
converted to the blessed hope of the Lord’s return. In the days
of the apostles the message that they bore wrought a real work,
turning souls from idols to serve the living God. The work to be
done today is just as real, and the truth is just as much truth; only
we are to give the message with as much more earnestness
as the coming of the Lord is nearer. The message for this time
is positive, simple, and of the deepest importance. We must act
like men and women who believe it. Waiting, watching,
working, praying, warning the world—this is our work.... –
{Evangelism 219.3}

God has given me a message for His people.... You have been bought with
a price, and all that you have and are is to be used to the glory of God
and for the good of your fellow men. Christ died on the cross to save the
world from perishing in sin. He asks your co-operation in this work. You
are to be His helping hand. With earnest, unwearying effort you
are to seek to save the lost.... – {Mar 100.2}

Christ crucified—talk it, pray it, sing it, and it will break and win hearts.
This is the power and wisdom of God to gather souls for Christ. – {Mar
105.5}

V. AN HOPE THAT MOTIVATES US TO CO-OPERATE WITH

CHRIST.
Why are not all who claim to love God seeking to enlighten their
neighbors and their associates, that they may not longer neglect this
great salvation? Christ gave Himself to a shameful, agonizing death,
showing His great travail of soul to save the perishing. Oh, Christ is able,
Christ is willing, Christ is longing, to save all who will come unto Him! –
{Mar 105.2}

Have you so deep an appreciation of the sacrifice made on Calvary that

you are willing to make every other interest subordinate to the work of
saving souls?– {Mar 100.4}

What will make us look earthly thing as nothing.

The blessed hope of the second appearing of Christ, with its solemn
realities, needs to be often presented to the people. Looking for the
soon appearing of our Lord will lead us to regard earthly things as
emptiness and nothingness. – {6T 406.2}

VI. AN HOPE THAT GIVES US A LONGING DESIRE.

What type of person will have a recompense at Christ’s appearing?

2 Timothy 4:7 KJV
[7] I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the
faith:
[8] Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which
the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me
only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:8
KJV

[8] Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord
draweth nigh.

Christ is waiting with longing desire for the manifestation of Himself in

His church. When the character of the Saviour shall be perfectly
reproduced in His people, then He will come to claim His own. It is
the privilege of every Christian, not only to look for, but to hasten, the
coming of our Lord.. – {Mar 112.6}