1 John 3:1-3 mentions the hope of Christ's coming. It is the hope that we will one day be forever changed, when this corruptible shall put on the incorruptible, when that for which the Holy Spirit has been preparing us shall become reality. In 1 John 3:1-3 we learn three things that we know for sure concerning the great hope of the church.
First, we know that Jesus is returning. That is the great hope of the church, the return of our Lord. Titus 2:13 says, "Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." Jesus said, "If I go to prepare a place for you I will return and receive you to myself that where I am there ye may be also." John says in 1 John 3:2 ". . .but we know that, when he shall appear," not if he shall appear but when he shall appear.
Second, we know that we will see Him as He is, not as he was (1 John 3:2). Not a little baby in a manger, not a suffering servant, not the meek and mild Lord Jesus, not the miracle worker, not the friend of sinners, not the dying Savior on a cross, not a corpse wrapped in linen, but we will see Him as he is this very moment at the right hand of the Father. He is the resurrected and reigning Lord Jesus. We will see Him, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, the conquering King, The King of kings and the Lord of lords. We will see Him in all of His glory.
Finally, we will be like Him. What a thought. In this life we are being transformed into His likeness every day. One step at a time and little by little. Two steps forward one step back. Sometimes it is a slow uphill struggle. There are even days, weeks, months, and even years it seems there has been no progress at all. Sometimes we may wonder if we will ever make it. But a bright day is coming sooner than we think. It will be a day when all of the struggle will be over. The turmoil will be no more. The burden will be lifted. The chains will be severed and we will be set free. It will be glory day. This Easter focus upon the great hope of His return. Because He lives and reign's those who have a personal relationship with Him shall live and reign with Him. God loves you and so do we at First Baptist Church.