There is a wonderful and great promise to which we must hold firm in faith: it is the “Blessed Hope” of the return of Jesus. (John 14:3-4, Titus 2:11-13). Jesus gave a promise to every believer that he will come again and receive them to himself. It is this promise that gives us security and hope in a world that has nothing permanent to offer.

Jesus said, “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33). How we live now will determine our rewards in the coming Kingdom. This is the hope to which we must hold fast. (Hebrews 3:6, 4:14-16).

A Hope that Anchors the Soul

We are not to be moved away from the full assurance of hope that is set before us. (Hebrews 6:11-19). It is this sure and steadfast hope that anchors our soul and reaches right into the throne room of heaven, and we can enter there to receive mercy and grace whenever we need help.

There is a hymn:

We have an anchor that keeps the soul,

Steadfast and sure as the billows roll,

Fastened to the Rock that cannot move,

Grounded firm and deep in the Saviour’s love.” 

So do not throw away your confidence, it will be greatly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For in just a very little while, He who is coming will come and not delay.” (Hebrews 10:35-36 NIV).

The Blessed Hope of Christ’s Return

There are different views as to how Christ will come, but the important thing is to believe that he will return. He is our “blessed hope” in a world that has no hope. It is this that makes us never give up and ensures our salvation. (Romans 8:24, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-8).

Hope is the Key that keeps our hearts and minds. It is not an uncertain hope as the world has, but a hope that is so sure and steadfast that it can never be moved and is an anchor that keeps us through the storms of life. Faith, hope and love abide forever. (1 Corinthians 13:13). 

Never Turn Back

The one great key to living a life of faith is to never turn back. There is a beautiful song which expresses this:

I have decided to follow Jesus, x3 

No turning back, no turning back. 

The world behind me the cross before me, x3 

No turning back, No turning back. 

The last words of the apostle Peter were,

“Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things, you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:10-11).  

Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ”. (2 Peter 3:18). 

The psalmist said, “One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple.” (Psalm 27:4)

YOUR PRAYER

“Lord Jesus, I believe you are the eternal Son of God and that you died for my sins and rose again to give me eternal life.

I know I have sinned, and I repent and confess all my sins to you and ask you to forgive me and cleanse me.

I receive you as my Lord and Saviour, and ask you to come into my life by your Spirit, and give me spiritual rebirth.

I submit the rest of my life to you and believe I have now become a child of God.”

Join me as we complete the journey through “A Life of Faith.”

 Promises for our Future:

Episode 3: Reference Notes