Scripture study · McCalip Family Ministries
What Is the Blessed Hope?
Why the return of Jesus, the resurrection, and life with the Lord give believers hope in the present.
Read first: Titus 2:11–14; 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18Hope centered on Jesus Christ
Titus 2:13 calls believers to look for ‘that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.’ The hope is centered on a Person and His appearing. It is more than optimism that our circumstances will improve. The Jesus who gave Himself to redeem us will bring His saving work to its promised fulfillment. Read the verse between the grace that teaches us how to live and the redemption that makes us His people.
Read alongside: Titus 2:11–14
Grace teaches us how to live while we wait
Titus connects future expectation with present obedience. The grace of God teaches us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts and to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world. Looking for Christ does not remove our responsibility to serve people now. Verse 14 describes a people zealous of good works. Hope should shape our conduct, strengthen faithfulness, and help us persevere in the work God has given us.
Read alongside: Titus 2:11–14; 1 John 3:2–3
Grief with a promised reunion
First Thessalonians 4 addresses believers concerned about those who have died. Paul does not forbid sorrow; he distinguishes Christian sorrow from the hopeless grief of those without this promise. Because Jesus died and rose again, the dead in Christ will rise, and believers will be gathered together to meet the Lord. The passage ends with the assurance that we will ever be with Him and the instruction to comfort one another with these words.
Read alongside: 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18
The resurrection of the body
First Corinthians 15 grounds Christian hope in the resurrection of Jesus. Christ is described as the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. Paul then speaks of the transformation from corruption to incorruption and from mortality to immortality. Christian hope is not simply escape from the body. It includes victory over death through our Lord Jesus Christ and the resurrection life that God promises His people.
Read alongside: 1 Corinthians 15:20–23, 51–58
A future that strengthens today’s faithfulness
Revelation 21 describes God dwelling with His people, wiping away tears, and bringing an end to death, sorrow, crying, and pain. These promises give suffering believers a horizon beyond the present. Scripture gives the certainty of Christ’s return while warning against claiming knowledge of its day and hour. Our response is readiness, love, and steadfast service. Paul closes his resurrection teaching by assuring believers that their labour is not in vain in the Lord.
Read alongside: Revelation 21:1–5; Matthew 24:36; 1 Corinthians 15:58
Questions for reflection
- How does Titus connect Christ’s appearing with the way we live now?
- What comfort does 1 Thessalonians 4 give to grieving believers?
- What work can I continue faithfully because my labour is not in vain?
Scripture quotations are from the King James Version. Read each passage in its context.
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