(Present Truths or the Supernatural) 6. THE SUPERNATURAL HOPE
A.B. Simpson emphasizes the supernatural hope of Christ's glorious appearing as a vital truth that counters naturalistic philosophies and inspires believers to live in anticipation of God's intervention.
In this sermon, A.B. Simpson addresses the vital Christian doctrine of the supernatural hope centered on the second coming of Christ. He challenges contemporary skepticism rooted in naturalistic philosophies and underscores the biblical promise of Jesus' glorious appearing. Simpson encourages believers to live expectantly and faithfully, embracing the hope that sustains and motivates the Christian life.
Text
"Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ." (Titus 2: 13.)
"Looking for and hastening unto the coming of the day of God." (2 Pet. 3: 12.)
In the opening verses of 2 Peter 3 the apostle speaks of a school of thinkers who should arise in the last days and should say, "Where is the promise of his coming? For since the fathers fell asleep all things continue as they were from the beginning." This is but another form of expressing the very doctrine which a certain school of philosophers and scientists are promulgating in this very day.
It is substantially the principle of the doctrine of evolution. Its vital principle is this -- the things that are have been evolved out of similar things in the past and they will go on developing into similar unfoldings in the future. There has been no real crisis suspending the natural order of things and there will be none. Therefore, such a harsh, strained doctrine as that of the interposition of the supreme Being directly in the future history of this planet, and His advent on the stage of earth in personal form does violence to all the finest instincts of culture and all the established principles of science.
It is the devil\
Sermon Outline
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I. The Present Skepticism
- Denial of Christ's coming by modern thinkers
- Comparison with the doctrine of evolution
- Naturalistic worldview rejecting supernatural intervention
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II. The Biblical Promise of the Coming
- Scriptural assurance of Christ's glorious appearing
- The blessed hope as a motivation for believers
- God's direct intervention in history
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III. The Danger of Naturalism
- Natural order seen as unchanging and continuous
- Rejection of supernatural crisis in history
- The devil's role in promoting doubt
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IV. Living in Expectation
- Hastening the coming of the day of God
- Encouragement to maintain faith and hope
- Practical impact of supernatural hope on daily life
Key Quotes
“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ.” — A.B. Simpson
“It is substantially the principle of the doctrine of evolution... There has been no real crisis suspending the natural order of things and there will be none.” — A.B. Simpson
“"The devil... promotes doubt against the promise of Christ's personal advent to the earth.” — A.B. Simpson
Application Points
- Maintain a daily expectation and hope for Christ’s return to strengthen your faith.
- Reject naturalistic worldviews that deny God's supernatural intervention in history.
- Live a holy and active life that reflects the anticipation of the coming day of God.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 'supernatural hope' referred to in the sermon?
It is the confident expectation of Christ's personal and glorious return to earth, as promised in Scripture.
How does the sermon address skepticism about Christ’s return?
It contrasts biblical truth with naturalistic philosophies like evolution that deny any supernatural intervention in history.
Why is the doctrine of Christ’s coming important for believers?
Because it motivates holy living, perseverance, and active anticipation of God's final intervention.
What biblical passages are central to this sermon?
Titus 2:13 and 2 Peter 3:12 are key texts emphasizing the hope and expectation of Christ's coming.
How can believers 'hasten' the coming of the day of God?
By living in faith, holiness, and spreading the gospel, thus aligning with God's purposes.