“We do not look at the things which are seen” (2 Corinthians 4:18)

At least half of the salvation Scriptures of the New Testament refer directly or indirectly to the Blessed Hope. First century Christians were ever-conscious that a millisecond after they died they would be with Christ. “We walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord: (2 Corinthians 5:7-8). This was the reason thousands sang praises to God while walking into the Roman arenas to be eaten by wild animals. 

 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:3-4). 

 If you’re a saint, you’re already legally seated with Christ in Heaven, and this revelation enables you to “set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:2). The Blessed Hope inspires hope, joy, consolation and love. It’s the central focus of our faith. Soon sin will no longer tempt you when your New Man assumes his rightful place when your flesh is no more. 

 Looking forward, you can see yourself entering the pearly gates, hailed as a conqueror, crowned by Christ, embraced in His arms, glorified with Him, and made to sit together with Him on His throne, even as He overcame and sat down with the Father on His throne. The thought of this future helps us forget the darkness of the past and the despair of the present. For every second we endure on Earth, we’ll have more than ten thousand years of bliss in heaven! 

 "When the world my heart is rending With its heaviest storm of care, My glad thoughts to heaven ascending, Find a refuge from despair. Faith's bright vision shall sustain me Till life's pilgrimage is past; Fears may vex and troubles pain me, I shall reach my home at last".