The Blessed Hope

by Don Manley, PhD

The word “imminent” means “looming, about to happen, or could happen at any time.” The Bible teaches that Christ could appear in the sky at any moment. His return is imminent. The theological name for this event is the “Rapture.” The principal text describing this awesome coming event is found in 1st Thessalonians –

“For the Lord Himself will descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus, we shall always be with the Lord.”​ ~ 1st Thessalonians 4:16-17

First-century believers were looking for Christ to return. In a letter to Titus, Paul wrote, “Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ…” (Titus 2:13). ​The “blessed hope” Paul was referring to was the “. . . appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13). The word “blessed” in this verse is translated from a Greek word that means “joy.” The Greek word translated as “hope” literally means “to anticipate with joy.”

I was in my late twenties before I began to understand that Christ’s return could happen at any time. One night in Miami, Florida, the Lord got it through my thick head that He was going to return someday. I had been a believer since my teenage years, but I hadn’t grown much spiritually. Once I finally understood that Christ’s coming was imminent and that it was a “blessed hope,” I began a fast track to spiritual growth, and my life changed quickly. More than anything else, I wanted to please the Lord.

Christ may not appear for quite some time, then again, He could come very soon. The only one who knows when He is coming is the Father (Matthew 24:36). The last message we have from Jesus was sent from Heaven. You’ll find this final message from Him on the last page of the Bible – “Surely, I am coming quickly” (Revelation 22:20).

If you’re troubled by the thought that Christ could come at any moment, perhaps you do not know Him as your personal Savior. Christ loves you and wants you to spend eternity in Heaven with Him. The way of salvation is clearly and simply explained in His Word, the Bible. I encourage you to watch my six-minute video, “How can I be sure?” to learn more about God’s gift of salvation.

Christian friend, if you do not anticipate Christ’s return with joyful hope, it might mean your relationship with Him is broken. Be assured, the Lord loves you and wants your fellowship with Him to be restored. Read 1st John 1:6-9 thoughtfully. Ask the Lord to forgive you of your sins, and He will. Once you’ve taken care of your relationship with Him, you, like me, will joyfully anticipate the “blessed hope” – the glorious appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ!