Paul first used these words in his letters. It was his personal reference to the Greek work Harpazo which we translated into the English word Rapture.
Harpazo – from the Greek Lexicon
- to seize, carry off by force
- to seize on, claim for one’s self eagerly
- to snatch out or away
Paul, since the first time he mentioned “Harpazo” has always put forth the positive unfearful, longing for the Blessed Hope.
The definition of the Rapture and how we got there via translation is a topic for another article, though worthwhile as that seems to be an area of much concern and attacks from critics. But today I would like to focus in of the phrase “My Blessed Hope”. It was the name I felt led to call this site and it has great importance to me as God’s promise for me, and you.
Hope.
We seem to hear this word a lot these days. I feel the use of the word has been cheapened somewhat by the over use on things of this world.
The “blessed hope” is not the kind of hope that says “I hope my uncle gets well.” or “I hope it doesn’t rain on my wedding day.” This word for hope has much more certainty. It is a Bible word that speaks of “a blessed confidence.” It speaks of a future event that has long been guaranteed by God Himself. This hope is future, but it is as certain as the one hundred Old Testament prophecies that speak of our Lord Jesus’ first coming. Which is now historical fact. – (paraphrased from Perhaps Today)
That is the Rock, the confidence Paul is saying we should have in Christ’s promise to Harpazo His church, the Rapture.
It is a promise given to us not of this world but in the world.
It is the Hope we should live everyday for as we go about striving to accomplish God’s will.
It is my blessed hope and I truly hope it is yours as well.
God Bless!
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If you have not asked Christ into your life, the essential gospel is that Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and that He was raised on the third day (1 Cor. 15:3-4). Believing this is the only qualification for salvation. We are sinners in need of a savior. Jesus died for our sins, and to prove that His death was sufficient for us, God raised Him from the dead on the third day. Believing in our heart that God raised Him from the dead is our assurance that He will raise us, too.
3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, (1 Cor. 15:3-4).
myBlessedHope 