Paul anticipated the imminent resurrection of the dead. He knew for certain that the resurrection would occur at Jesus’ coming. The resurrection he knew that would occur on that day. He was also convinced this would occur within the lifetime of many of Jesus’ disciples. (see Matthew 24:34).
Paul called this ‘the blessed hope’.
The concept of “the blessed hope” in the New Testament refers to the confident expectation and assurance of the return of Jesus Christ. This hope was not merely wishful thinking for them. It was a divine certainty or joyful assurance.
Paul wrote to the Corinthians about this: It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet sounds; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, 51 Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, and we will be changed. 53 For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, “Death is swallowed up in victory.” (1 Corinthians 15: 51-54)
Paul had this blessed hope that he would see that day. He did not expect it to come in some distant future. He believed Jesus’ words given to the disciples on the Mt Olivet (Matthew 24).
In his letter to the Philippians, a letter rejoicing in the blessed hope:
For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. 22 But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better. 23 I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. 24 But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live. ( Philippians 1:21-24)
Paul longs to go and be with Christ, which would be far better. What could be better than that? To be with Christ! Notice his supreme confidence.
He goes on to urge his readers to hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless. (Philippians 2:16)
Note how certain Paul was of the coming of Christ being imminent. Was he mistaken? People who are still waiting for His return must admit they are wrong or face the challenge that Jesus and the apostolic writers were mistaken.
In Philippians 3:10-11, Paul is emphatic about experiencing resurrection from the dead: I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead!
See also 1 Thessalonians 1:10, . . they speak of how you are looking forward to the coming of God’s Son from heaven—Jesus, whom God raised from the dead. And 1 Thessalonians 2:9: After all, what gives us hope and joy, and what will be our proud reward and crown as we stand before our Lord Jesus when he returns? It is you!
Titus 2:11-12. For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. 12 And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, 13 while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ, will be revealed.
He emphasised that believers are to live godly lives in the present while waiting for this blessed hope, which is the glorious appearing of Jesus Christ
He also mentions this future event in other passages, reinforcing the significance of this blessed hope. See 2 Timothy 4:7-8: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing. y
Not only Paul but also Peter. According to his first letter, 1 Peter 1: 5-9:
5 And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see.
Again, note Peter’s certainty that this great hope is their future i.e., his readers’ salvation is soon to happen. He said their salvation will be accomplished on that glorious day of His return.
Further, He confirmed to his readers: Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. 1 Peter 1:13
Such passages emphasise the importance of this hope. It was imminent for the life of First Century believers. This hope was central to the Christian faith, providing a foundation for both present living and future expectations.
They were not to be mistaken!
For us today, the blessed hope is not a future event as it was for the early believers. It is a present reality, as believers experience the assurance of salvation through our relationship with Jesus Christ. We know that to be with Christ is far better than remaining here—our resurrection! Yet it is important for us to remain, so we can bear witness to Him and make disciples until He calls us home .
Ian Thomson 