Hope: Day 6
Hope is connected to holiness. In this passage, Paul explains to us the relationship between these two very important parts of our faith. The connection between these two parts is so important to our lives. Paul begins by saying that the grace of God, the salvation we have in Jesus, has been shown to all men. A part of that grace is being able to say ‘yes’ to the right things and ‘no’ to the wrong things. How is this all connected to hope? The hope we have is in the ‘glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.’ For those who have a relationship with Christ, the grace of God is known through personal experience. Knowing this kind of personal grace is the most hopeful experience that we can have. But, those who have not received this grace and are trying to find holiness and favor with God on their own, see the return of Christ as horrible-not hopeful. For them, the return of Christ does not mean a wonderful reunion with loved ones, who have gone on before, or a welcome with open arms into the very throne room of God. It means judgment and punishment. Receiving God’s grace means we can look forward with hope to the moment of Christ’s return. It also means that even as we wait, we can do things which please the Father. This will make the moment we meet Christ an even more exciting and blessed event!
Prayer Focus: Thank God for the hope that you have as you look forward to the return of Jesus. Ask God to give you power through His Holy Spirit to live an upright and godly life.