The third action of grace consists of uplifting our hearts for a glorious future.

"The blessed hope and glorious appearing" (NKJV wording) in our text are two subjects under a single article because they refer to the same event viewed from two sides. For believers the second coming of Christ is the consummation of our hope (1 Tim. 1:1). For Christ Himself this awaited appearing marks the culmination of His salvation mission.