Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. Titus 2:13
Our text today provides an interesting point of conflict for Bible students. There is a division among them whether the words ‘the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ’ refer to the Rapture or to Christ’s return to earth to begin His earthly reign. Which one do you think it is? Which one do I think it is, you ask. Having looked at the arguments on both sides, I have concluded that for us as Christians today, there are interesting and precious truths regarding both positions. Let’s consider them.
For those who are convinced that our text is referring to the Rapture, there is the previous verse in which Christians are urged to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world. For us as Christians, the next event on God’s calendar is the Rapture. That is what we are looking for, that is the precious hope that gives us encouragement and joy for every day. Paul’s account of the Rapture in 1 Thessalonians 4 reminds us that the Lord Jesus Himself will descend from Heaven to meet us in the air, to take us to be with Himself in the Glory. As we think about this great event, we must acknowledge that it will be a glorious appearing for us. It will break us free from whatever our reality is here and now, whether occupying a faithful Christian experience or a faithful Christian’s grave. The One Who is coming to claim us will appear, as He appeared to Peter, James, and John on the Mountain of Transfiguration, in His heavenly aspect of glory. Our blessed hope is to be forever with the Lord.
For those who hold that our text is referring to the return to the earth for Christ’s 1000-year reign, there is the reality that the Rapture does not involve His even touching the earth; He will come to the air for His own. And the Scriptures are filled with prophecy concerning the glory of His arrival to claim His throne. The angels in Acts 1 who appeared as the disciples watch their Lord arise into the clouds told those men that He would so come in like manner as they had seen Him go. When He arrives in power and glory, every eye shall see Him. And as He ushers in His righteous reign of blessing and prosperity, there will be no question that everything about His return will be a glorious appearing. Our blessed hope is to be reigning with Him.
Regardless of which position you take on our text, please note the first two words in the verse; Looking for. Our Lord has given us a glorious hope for a glorious future with Himself. Are we looking for that? – Jim MacIntosh