The Christian looks with anticipation toward the future.
We know that our future look is rooted in the past, for we have been saved by grace through faith in Christ.
The Son of God came into this world to die as our Savior upon the cross. He died in our place for our sins that we might be set free from sin and death and live forever with Him. The past is historical fact – the finished work of Christ – the triumphant work of the cross. From this historical event in the past, we gaze into the future for the full realization of all that Christ has accomplished.
One day the Lord will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God.
This will be a glorious moment in human history. The dead in Christ will be raised up from their graves in glorified bodies, joined with living Christians who will also be glorified, and we will rise up in the air to meet the Lord. We shall then be forever with the Lord. This is the great expectation of every Christian. Always keep your eye on this great hope.
Life can sometimes be challenging. We can experience dark moments.
We can suffer, be afflicted, and even encounter persecution. Even in these dreary moments, we know the Lord is with us – we know that He is accomplishing His purposes in us – we know that He will never leave us or forsake us – we know that He will complete the work that He has begun in us. The trials of this world can cause us to be shortsighted in our Christian experience.
We can see the darkness and lose sight of our great hope in Christ.
We can easily become discouraged and depressed. Just remember that God did not send His Son to save us at the cross only to lose us in the darkness of this world. Our God planned our salvation, accomplished our salvation, and will bring our salvation to its perfect conclusion. We shall one day be like Christ. We shall then be with Him forever. This is our hope.
This hope is kept alive when we keep our faith quickened by reading, studying and hearing the Word of God.
When we keep our eyes on the infallible promises of God, He strengthens our faith to stand against the challenges of life. We read the promises and God fortifies our hearts. He does not want us to live this life in doubt or despair – but in assurance and great expectation of the glory to come. Our faithful God never fails!