DCLM Daily Manna 27 April 2026: The Blessed Hope
KEY VERSE: “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” – Titus 2:13
TEXT: Titus 2:11-15 (KJV)
11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.
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The Christian life is lived between two appearings: the first appearing of Christ, when He came in grace to save us, and the second appearing, when He will come in glory to receive us. The first appearing brought salvation; the second appearing brings hope.
Paul describes the first appearing as “the grace of God that bringeth salvation.” This grace has appeared to all men. It is not limited to a select few; it is available to everyone. Grace teaches us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world. Grace does not give us a license to sin; it gives us the power to live holy lives.
But grace also gives us something to look forward to: “that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” This is not a vague hope; it is a blessed hope – certain, joyful, and transformative. It is the hope of Christ’s return.
The second appearing is described as “glorious.” The first appearing was humble – a baby in a manger. The second appearing will be glorious – the King of kings returning in power and majesty. The first appearing was marked by suffering; the second appearing will be marked by splendour.
Why did Christ give Himself for us? “That he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” Redemption is not just about forgiveness; it is about purification. We are redeemed from sin and purified for good works.
The hope of Christ’s return is not a distraction from holy living; it is a motivation for holy living. Those who truly expect the King will live like citizens of His Kingdom. They will deny ungodliness. They will reject worldly lusts. They will live soberly, righteously, and godly.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: The hope of Christ’s return is not an escape from responsibility; it is a motivation for holiness.
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Psalms 132-135
DCLM Daily Manna 27 April 2026
