The Real Facts Concerning the Second Coming of
Jesus Christ
There is no need to despair because of the
deteriorating social and religious conditions on earth today. Though
it might seem that the world faces a bleak future and that no leader
has any solution to the crises that disturb so many, there is a grand
hope offered to thoughtful men and women prepared to look beyond the
present.
The Bible is the source of such confidence; it has a
message of hope and real security. A consistent message of divine
purpose continues from the beginning to the end of the book --
notwithstanding that over forty different writers were responsible for
the writing of the books, and over 1600 years were encompassed in its
compilation. It is the authentic Word of God, and its prophecies and
declarations are therefore recorded under divine inspiration. That is
the reason why it is so consistent in its message, so unerring in its
prophecies, and so reliable in its precepts and teachings. We can go
to its pages with complete confidence and assurance.
The Bible presents the divine purpose with humanity,
set in process from the beginning of time. Almighty God declared that
His intention was to save humanity from utter destruction from its own
hand -- a condition which is becoming increasingly obvious today (see
Revelation 11:18).
Further, the Bible declares that God has allowed
society to face its own folly, to demonstrate that natural man has no
hope of redeeming himself. It says: "it is not in the heart of
man to direct his steps" (Jeremiah 10:23). If we are content to
put our confidence and future into the hands of politicians and
leaders of the nations, we will be bitterly disappointed. The evidence
of 6,000 years of misrule, demonstrates that mankind is not capable of
governing for society's benefit.
The divine purpose requires that those who desire
something better in life for themselves and their families, must read
God's Word, and act accordingly. They must make a personal stand for
Truth and Righteousness, by rejecting the concepts and philosophies of
natural man, and by seeking a better way of life. The disciple Peter
declared that God "is calling out from the Gentiles a people for
His Name" (Acts 15:14). This means that His followers will
separate from the religious and social environment of humanity, and
support those who are sincerely endeavoring to apply God's ways in
life.
The great anticipation of all such lies in the belief
that Jesus Christ is about to return to this earth. Though this might
seem completely unreal and beyond belief, it is the only answer to a
world bent on self-destruction. There is no other answer!
The Bible is very clear about this matter, for the
Second Coming of Christ is the subject of hundreds of quotations in
its pages; it was the stated conviction of the ancient believers; it
was the policy of the Son of God himself; it continues to be the
thrilling tenet of Christadelphians today. It will soon be confirmed
in reality, when the great event actually occurs. And, we believe,
that this will be very soon!
Christ Will Return Personally, Visibly, Literally
When the Lord Jesus ministered on earth, he constantly
reaffirmed that, after a period of time in heaven, he would return. He
said to his disciples: "Ye which have followed me, in the
regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory,
ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of
Israel" (Matthew 19:28). This, obviously, refers to a future
time, when the disciples will be resurrected from death and given the
place of honor over a restored nation of Israel. It certainly does not
speak of immortal bliss in heaven, for they could hardly "judge
the twelve tribes of Israel" there!
Later, as the Master was being received into heaven to
spend two millennia as a "great high priest" on behalf of
his disciples (Hebrews 4:14), a message of grand hope was given to the
apostles gathered on the Mount of Olives: "This same Jesus, which
is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye
have seen him go into heaven" (Acts 1: 11). There was no doubt
about the literal nature of his ascent; similarly he will return
bodily and physically at the appointed time.
1 John 3:2 declares: "When he shall appear... we
shall see him as he is". His majestic presence will be obvious to
all.
In fact, a prophecy to the Jews shows that the tribes
of Israel would at last also acknowledge the one whom they crucified:
"they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall
mourn" (Zechariah 12: 10).
If Christ is to come "in like manner" as the
apostles saw him go; and if the Jewish people will "look on him
whom they pierced", observing the wounds in his hands as the
evidence of their former iniquity, then Jesus Christ must return
personally, visibly and literally to the earth.
Christ Taught that He Would Return from Heaven
This, in fact, is what he constantly taught when upon
earth. He claimed that his ascent to heaven was for the purpose of
receiving a kingdom from his Father, and to return with authority to
rule throughout the earth.
This was implied in his parable of a nobleman who
"went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to
return" (Luke 19:12) at which time he rewarded his servants for
faithfully occupying in the interim. His parables were always given to
teach important lessons concerning his own work of salvation. But then
Jesus also plainly instructed his disciples with the same principles:
"The Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father and with
his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his
works" (Matthew 16:27). This clearly asserts that the Lord Jesus
will return from heaven, at which time his servants will be
acknowledged before him. He reaffirmed this to his disciples just
before his crucifixion: "They (the peoples of the world) shall
see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory"
(Luke 21:27). The return of Christ will be accompanied with tremendous
physical and social changes globally, so that ultimately, all nations
will be forced to recognize his presence. The "cloud" spoken
of, relates to the company of immortalized believers who will be
associated with him in that day (the "witnesses" of Hebrew
12: 1).
The final prophecy of the Bible reiterates that
teaching: "Behold I come quickly (i.e., suddenly, shortly); and
my reward is with me to give every man according as his work shall
be" (Revelation 22:20).
Believers Receive Rewards at his Coming Advent
In every quotation mentioned, it is taught that the
disciples of Christ are rewarded at his coming, and not before! The
current church teaching of the immortality of the soul, and of saints
winging their way to heaven at death, there to abide in eternal bliss,
is opposed to true Bible teaching. Nowhere does the Bible suggest such
a thing, and, in fact, vigorously denies it. This is clearly stated in
Acts 2:34 to the Jews in Jerusalem concerning one of the greatest men
who have ever lived: that "David (the "man after God's own
heart": Acts 13:22) is not ascended into the heavens", but
was "dead and buried" with the evidence of his burial place
before the people.
There is no truth in the theological fable that
immortal souls reside in heaven at death -- for if it were true, then
there would be no reason for Jesus Christ to return to earth
"with his rewards with him".
The apostle Paul anticipated receiving immortality at
the coming of his Lord. About to die for his Master he declared
confidently: "Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of
righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at
that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his
appearing" (2 Timothy 4:8). The glorious prize of immortality was
for a future period: it was "laid up". The day of its
bestowal was obviously some time later.
Indeed, the signs of the times indicate that the time
of rejoicing for Paul is now imminent. He will then be resurrected
from death (an event in which he believed: 1 Corinthians 15:12) and
meet his Lord in person.
The Apostles Believed that Christ Would Return
After the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven, the
apostles went throughout the civilized world with the dynamic message
of Christ's resurrection from the dead, and his eventual return to the
earth.
The apostle Peter declared: "He (God) shall send
Jesus Christ, who before was preached unto you, whom the heavens must
receive until the times of restitution of all things which God hath
spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets" (Acts 3:20). He
claimed that both Old Testament and the teachings of Christ were
consistent: they all spoke of the establishment of God's divine
kingdom on earth at a future time. It would not be until then, that
the sin-stricken and strife-torn world that has only known violence
and bloodshed by its inhabitants, would find relief.
The apostle Paul wrote: "The Lord Jesus shall be
revealed from heaven, with his mighty angels... when he shall come to
be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that
believe" (2 Thessalonians 1:7,10). Paul looked forward to a
change in society, when the followers of Christ would be elevated to
positions of honor and glory (Revelation 5:9-10), and when their
wisdom and spiritual abilities will be used for the benefit of
mankind. That time will arrive when the Son of God appears personally
on earth.
There are some 300 allusions to the return of the Lord
Jesus found within the pages of the Bible. It is the fundamental
teaching of the Scriptures, and the basis for a better future.
Speaking of these "times of restoration" associated with
Christ's visible and personal return, Peter declared: "All the
prophets from Samuel and those that follow, as many as have spoken,
have likewise foretold of these days" (Acts 3:24). If these
things were untrue, then humanity is left with the hopeless future of
increasing desolation and destruction by its own hands; neither can
the apostate fables of the Christian church with its illogical
immortal soulism provide any real hope. Hence, Paul argued: "If
in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most
miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the
firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man
came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even
so in Christ shall all be made alive" (1 Corinthians 15:19-22).
He shows that because of the original sin of Adam in the Garden of
Eden, mankind is under the curse of mortality, and therefore all
ultimately find repose in the grave. The only hope apart from that is
in a "resurrection of the dead". Since Paul talks about the
physical body, he anticipated a time when dead believers would be
brought from the grave, refashioned from the dust by God's miraculous
power, and restored to life again.
He speaks about a certain order of events: "But
every man in his own order; Christ the firstfruits; afterward they
that are Christ's at his coming. Then cometh the end, when he shall
have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall
have put down all rule and all authority and power. For he must reign,
till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall
be destroyed is death" (1 Corinthians 15:23-26). The resurrection
program of God was introduced 1900 years ago, in His Son. The next
stage will be at his Second Coming, when all who have understood the
Gospel will be resurrected for judgment and reward. There will be a
further period of 1000 years, during which Jesus Christ will establish
on earth a divine political Kingdom (Revelation 20:5), which will
conclude with a further and final resurrection. After that event, sin
and death will be overcome and destroyed (ch. 21:4), and the whole
world will become the glorious habitation of immortal beings, enjoying
unity and fellowship with Almighty God.
The First Stage in the Redemption of Mankind
The Bible also reveals certain details of the work
that Jesus Christ will undertake at his Second Coming. He will first
raise from the dead and judge those who have known his message, and
have thereby become responsible.
Of those who truly believe him, Jesus said: "I
will raise him up at the last day" (John 6:39,40,44). He spoke of
two types coming forth from the grave: those who have faithfully
responded to his instructions, and those who have rejected them:
"They that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and
they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation"
(John 5:29). There will be a separation of the righteous from the
wicked: those who have tried to fulfil his commandments to the best of
their ability, from those who have willingly ignored his precepts. The
prophet Daniel also testified that "many of them that sleep in
the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some
to shame and everlasting contempt" (Daniel 12:2). Only those who
have developed understanding, faith and works of righteousness, will
be rewarded with immortality; others will be returned to the doomed
world which they really never left.
In order to provide for this important, and necessary,
separation so that appropriate rewards and decisions might be made,
Jesus Christ will establish his Judgment Seat. There, all responsible
persons will be gathered: "We must all appear before the judgment
seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things in body,
according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad" (2
Corinthians 5:10). This will take some time, but the attention of the
world will be elsewhere involved in terrible trouble and strife. Jesus
described the coming days as times when "men's hearts failing
them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on
the earth: for the powers of (the political and social) heaven shall
be shaken" (Luke 21:26). The world will erupt into an awful
conflagration of violence and evil, similar to that which occurred in
the former days of Noah (read the description in Genesis 6:1-13, and
see Luke 17:26). It is during that time when Jesus Christ will conduct
his Judgment Seat, unbeknown to the world at large.
The Bible teaches that "the Lord Jesus Christ
shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his
kingdom" (2 Timothy 4:1). Thus, his appearing to his followers
will commence a train of events which will ultimate in the
establishment of his kingdom. Having rewarded his true disciples, and
rejected those who falsely claimed association with him or who
willingly rejected his message, Jesus Christ will proceed to reveal
his power and authority to the world at large.
The Nations Must Be Disciplined
The world will be embroiled in war when the Lord Jesus
publicly proclaims his presence on earth. Daniel speaks of a
"time of trouble such as never was" (ch. 12:1), whilst Joel
claims that the nations will "prepare war, wake up the mighty
men, let all the men of war draw near" (ch. 3:9), and the armies
of the world will be gathered around Jerusalem (Zechariah 14:2). It
will be at that time that Jesus Christ, together with his immortalized
and glorified followers, will go forth to initiate the second stage of
the world's redevelopment.
The battle of Armageddon will be fought on the
mountains of Israel (Revelation 16:16; Joel 3:2), but the forces of
the nations will be no match for the power of Christ's invincible
armies. He will establish God's Will on earth by demanding that all
give allegiance to him: "Thou shalt break them with a rod of
iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel. Be
instructed, ye judges (rulers) of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear,
and rejoice with trembling. Prostrate yourselves before the Son lest
he be angry, and ye perish from the way when his wrath is
kindled" (Psalm 2:9-12).
It is for the benefit of humanity that the nations
submit to divine control. To remain in the present condition of
things, is to perpetuate the same ungodly wickedness that has
continued for six thousand years. Because man is inherently evil, it
is needful for the Lord Jesus to exercise absolute control, and to
demand the obedience of his subjects: "The Lord Jesus shall be
revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire taking
vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of
our Lord Jesus Christ" (2Thessalonians 1:7-8).
Under his control the manufacture of war machinery
will revert to the construction of agricultural implements: "He
shall judge among the nations and shall rebuke many people; and they
shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into
pruning-hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither
shall they learn war any more" (Isaiah 2:4). What a grand time
will come about by the return to earth of Jesus Christ! What a change
in the outlook of men; in the policies of the nations! No longer vast
armies preparing to kill their neighbors, nor the political
opportunist endeavoring to achieve power by stealth and intrigue.
Christ Will Set Up God's Kingdom on Earth
Having put down all rule, authority and power, Jesus
Christ will then provide for a peaceful and harmonious future. He will
set up his dominion in Jerusalem -- the ancient city of his father
David (see 2 Samuel 7:12-16) -- and will establish his divine plan for
the redemption of mankind. He will then be recognized as "king
over all the earth" (Zechariah 14:9), for "out of Zion shall
go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem"
(Isaiah 2:3). His instructions and commandments will be received
worldwide, so that mankind everywhere will be benefited by his wisdom:
"Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no
end; upon the throne of David and upon his kingdom" (Isaiah 9:7).
This will fulfil the prophecy of the past, when the
mother of Jesus was told: "Thou shalt call his name Jesus. . .
and the LORD God shall give unto him the throne of his father David
and he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his
kingdom there shall be no end" (Luke 1:32-33). These words,
proclaimed at the end of every year in the rendering of Handel's
Messiah oratorio by many choirs across the country, really challenges
the theory of immortal soulism, of disembodied souls flitting off to
heaven at death, and of the kingdom of God reigning in the hearts of
believers. The prophecy given to Mary demands the physical return of
Jesus Christ, the re-establishment of the ancient Israelitish throne
of David "as in the days of old" (Amos 9:11), and the
political control of the nations assumed by him.
Although much of mankind is indifferent to the
requirements of God's Word today, they will not be permitted to ignore
His Son in the days to come. God's kingdom will be universal, and
requires the submission of all to His wise directions. No opposition
-- religious or secular -- will be permitted. Daniel foresaw that
"the God of heaven shall set up a kingdom that shall never be
destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it
shall break in pieces and consume all kingdoms, and it shall stand for
ever" (Daniel 2:44). Further: "the kingdom, and dominion,
and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be
given to the people of the saints of the Most High, whose kingdom is
an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey
him" (ch. 7:27).
Herein is a glorious prospect of international peace.
It will occur after the Second Coming of Jesus Christ -- and not
before! Then mankind will realize the great benefits that lie in
obedience to the divine Will, and will "long enjoy the work of
their hands" (Isaiah 65:22).
This kingdom will continue for one thousand years,
until finally, after a second judgment at the end of this period, the
earth will be filled only with immortal men and women who willingly
and lovingly respond to and reflect the wonder and wisdom of God. It
will be a world of joy, peace, security; of complete and undisturbed
happiness. There will never again be crime, evil, violence or
bloodshed. Paul describes this great moment in history as: "Then
cometh the end, when he (Jesus Christ) shall have delivered up the
kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule
and all authority and power. For he must reign, till he hath put all
enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is
death. . . and when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall
the Son also himself be subject unto Him (God) that put all things
under him (Christ), that God may be all in all" (1 Corinthians
15:24-28).
The whole design of God from the beginning of creation
will then be completed, and the purpose for the Second Coming of
Christ will be clearly seen.
When Shall Christ Come?
There are signs evident in world events that herald
the Second Coming. Though there may be scoffers, who ridicule the
Bible, and suggest that it is merely a book of folklore and fable,
they will have cause to rue their words. There were some who scoffed
at Noah's message of an impending flood, but their proud boasts were
soon engulfed in the waters that poured down from heaven and put an
end to their folly (Genesis 7:22). There were scoffers in the days of
the apostles, just prior to the judgments Of A.D. 70. Of these the
apostle Peter declared: "knowing this first, that there shall
come in the last days (i.e. of the Jewish nation) scoffers, walking
after their own lusts, and saying, Where is the promise of his coming?
for since the fathers (such as the apostles of the Lord) fell asleep,
all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation (of
the Jewish State)" (2 Peter 3:3-4). But their folly was soon
manifest when the Roman armies poured down the plains of Judea, to
destroy the capital of Jerusalem -- just as Jesus and his apostles had
prophesied would happen.
Scoffers still exist today. There are scoffers in
religious circles, as well as those of the atheistic persuasion. The
former say that it doesn't matter what we believe as long as we
"try to do what is right"; the latter ridicule the Bible and
prophecy as being of no consequence. But what is their solution to the
present crisis of society? Nothing but vain dreams, and illusory
visions. A little like the Micawber (Charles Dickens) philosophy that
"something will turn up!"
But, reader, God has placed into your hands the means
of your salvation, and no amount of scoffing will turn the tide of
impending judgment. Indeed, Christ tells his followers to
"watch" the signs of his coming, so that they will be
prepared for that important event, and not be caught
"asleep" (Revelation 16:15; Luke 21:28).
Here are some of the outstanding signs that prophecy
has recorded:
-
Social and Moral Upheavals and Evils.
Paul prophesied: "This know also that in the last days perilous
times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves,
covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents,
unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, fierce, despisers of
those that are good, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent,
heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God"
(2 Timothy 3:1-4).
The breakdown in society, the disruption to family
life, the widespread incidence of suicide, deviant life-styles and
marriage breakups, are all signs of this sad condition of the present
age. It results from man's own folly -- but it proves Bible prophecy
to be accurate and dependable. It is a testimony to the fact that the
coming of Jesus Christ is imminent, for he alone has the cure for
mankind's ills.
-
The Establishment of the State of Israel.
No greater sign could be presented. After 1900 years of dispersion,
persecution, and oppression, the Jewish people have at long last
achieved Statehood. They did it in spite of the incredible economic
and political challenges that faced the new nation, and the military
opposition by overwhelming numbers of neighbors intent on Israel's
destruction.
When Israel was proclaimed a nation in 1948, a hundred
Bible prophecies sprang into life. Notice, for example, the words of
Ezekiel 37:21-22, "I will take the children of Israel from among
the heathen (nations), whither they be gone, and will gather them on
every side, and bring them into their own land: and I will make them
one nation in the land, upon the mountains of Israel" This has
been accurately fulfilled in our time. The verse continues with the
following important statement: ". . . and one king shall be king
to them all". Israel has a State and nation -- but no king. And
they will not have a king, until the One whom God has promised
(compare Ezekiel 21:27). Since the statement follows immediately the
one concerning the formation of the State of Israel, that event in
1948 is the precursor to the second advent of Jesus Christ.
-
The Liberation of Jerusalem.
If the former sign was the major event of this century, this sign is
prophetically a most specific one. The Lord Jesus proclaimed that
Jerusalem would be "trodden down of the Gentiles until the times
of the Gentiles be fulfilled" (Luke 21:24). The past 1900 years
have witnessed a continuous "treading-down" of Jerusalem by
the oppression of Gentile powers. It was only in 1967, when Israeli
military forces broke the control of the Holy City then held by the
Jordanian authorities, that this prophecy could be fulfilled.
But another quotation indicates the amazing accuracy
of this prophecy. Joel 3:1 says: "For, behold, in those days, and
in that time, when I shall bring again the captivity of Judah and
Jerusalem..." The order of events is significant. First
"Judah": the land; then "Jerusalem": the city. The
land was freed in 1948; the city in 1967 - exactly in the order
required by prophecy. How did the prophet 2,500 years ago know that
would occur, unless he was guided by divine inspiration?
-
The Uprise of Russia.
The influence of this northern superpower has maintained its momentum
since the Russian Revolution in 1917. Notwithstanding the rise and
fall of its economy and government, of changes in its administration,
or its altered policy from time to time, Russia is destined to lead
the forces of anti-Semitism against the Lord Jesus Christ at his
return.
The prophet Ezekiel declares: "Thou (a powerful
northern invader) shalt come from thy place out of the north parts...
and shalt come up against my people of Israel, as a cloud to cover the
land; it shall be in the latter days" (Ezekiel 38:16). It is
significant that Moscow is directly north of Jerusalem; that it is the
capital of a huge power that stretches across the northern continent;
that it influences other satellite nations in Asia and Europe; that it
is specifically named in the Hebrew text of verse 2: "Gog, the
land of Magog, the prince of Ros, Meshech and Tubal". Those three
names have been identified with the modem terms of Russia, Moscow and
Tobolski: the Russian empire of "the latter days".
Bible prophecy clearly shows that Russia will head a
combined force of nations that will invade the Middle East at the time
of the end, and in doing so, will precipitate World War 3, a war of
international judgment that will culminate in Armageddon.
For that reason, Christ must return -- for otherwise,
the nations of the world will be immersed in a bitter struggle for
supremacy, sufficient to bring about absolute destruction of this
whole globe. But the Great Creator will not allow that to occur. He
will send His Son to destroy those who challenge his authority, and
institute the policies of His eternal kingdom.
-
Environmental and Social Collapse.
This modern age, with all its technological advances, and brilliant
inventions has no answer to the threatening collapse of the
environment. In spite of constant warnings that the climate of the
earth is being irreparably damaged because of the increasing
pollutants being poured into earth, streams and air, no lasting
solutions have been advanced. In the last book of the Bible, Jesus
Christ expresses some amazing words that could only apply to this era.
Speaking of a time of international unrest he declared: "The
nations were angry, and Thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead,
that they should be judged, and that Thou shouldest give reward unto
Thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear Thy
Name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the
earth" (Revelation 11:18). The word "destroy" comes
from a Greek word meaning "to corrupt; to rot", and speaks
of the polluting of the earth by physical, moral and social means.
Thus, the evidence of all sorts of corruption in this decade has been
amazing confirmation of this prophecy. The danger to the environment
has been accompanied with the assault upon the moral code of life by
the breakdown of family standards and by encouraging complete
indulgence in the areas of sexual and personal desires. As a result, a
society without conscience is developing.
What Can Be Done?
You may consider that there is nothing mere
individuals can do about the international crises, or the decline of
morals, or the impact of pollutants on the environment. That is
certainly true, but individuals do not need to remain indifferent to
the fulfillment of Bible prophecy, or the fact that Christ is coming
for that reason. That latter event is, after all, of great importance
to the Bible believer. The coming of Jesus Christ will bring divine
answers to the perplexing affairs of humanity, and provide a solution
to personal concerns. If you identify yourself with him and his
teachings today, you stand in hope of the great glory that will be
revealed when he establishes God's kingdom on earth.
Your future at Christ's coming depends upon your
attitude at the present time. The hope of salvation proclaimed by the
Bible is intended for those with earnest desire and a mind to
understand God's ways. Christ's return will reveal his true disciples,
and demonstrate those who have exercised wisdom in their decisions of
life.
The following principles are important to those who
would "love his appearing" (2 Timothy 4:8), and who are
"waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ" (1
Corinthians 1:7), and who are "patient . . . unto the coming of
the Lord" (James 5:7).
-
We must believe True Apostolic Doctrine. The Bible
clearly requires an honest and faithful understanding of its
teachings. Thus the apostle Paul declares: "The gospel of Christ
is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth"
(Romans 1:16). "If ye continue in the faith, grounded and
settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel"
(Colossians 1:23). "By which (gospel) ye are saved, if ye keep in
memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain"
(1 Corinthians 15:2). It is not sufficient to merely be
"sincere" unless that sincerity is based upon Truth; nor is
it right to accept church teaching which can be plainly shown to be
apostate from the Bible. God is not pleased with lighthearted
indifference to the Wisdom He has recorded in His Word, for that Word
is the basis upon which Jesus Christ will judge his people (John
12:48).
-
There is only One True Hope; not a Variety of Ways
to Worship God.We cannot follow man's instructions as to the
requirements that God demands. Notwithstanding its claims,
church-religion is astray from the Bible in its doctrines and
practice. That distinction between true and false worship is stated by
Jesus: "True worshippers worship the Father in spirit and in
truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship Him" (John 4:23).
The phrase "spirit and truth" encompasses both the emotional
and intellectual appreciation of God's way. True followers will change
their whole life and thinking in order to conform to God's will. Being
"religious" does not necessarily mean being
"right".
Paul states: "Ye are called in one hope of your
calling" (Ephesians 4:4), emphasizing the unity of belief that is
required. We cannot "agree to differ" on the matters that
deal with our eternal salvation. The apostle forthrightly condemned
some who were insisting upon changes to true teaching: "If any
man preach any other gospel, let him be accursed" (Galatians
1:8). In view of the imminent coming of Christ, we need to ensure that
we are faithfully following the One True Gospel.
-
Salvation Requires Belief in Action. Faith is an
important element in our future welfare. It defines the ability to
trust in God's goodness, and to anticipate His great promises -- but
it comes only from reading and understanding His Word: "Faith
cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God" (Romans
10:17). It is not an emotional, religious "feeling", but a
good, honest, down-to-earth conviction from understanding the plain
teachings of the Bible.
It is extremely important to develop faith:
"Without faith it is impossible to please God" (Hebrews
11:6). Unless we are fully convinced of the Truth, as revealed in the
Scriptures, we cannot obey God's will, nor manifest a quality of real
appreciation.
Belief without action, however, "is dead"
(James 2:17). The action required is in baptism and a faithful
continuance in welldoing. Jesus declared: "He that believeth and
is baptized shall be saved; he that believeth not shall be damned
(condemned)" (Mark 16:16).
A Matter of Urgency
The Bible reveals that God has "a set time"
(Psalm 102:13) for His purpose, and that He has "appointed a day,
in the which He will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom
He hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in
that He hath raised him from the dead" (Acts 17:31). The return
of Jesus Christ is certainly imminent, as we have shown from the
prophetic signs that today abound, and although we do not know the
"day nor the hour", we are convinced that we live on the
very eve of that great event.
It will come, and at the very day predetermined by
Almighty God. We therefore urge the reader to deeply consider his or
her personal future, and to commit themselves to a pathway of wisdom
while opportunity remains.
Soon there will be "time no longer"
(Revelation 10:6), for the victorious cry will arise: "The Lord
hath come". Only those who have taken the time and effort to
prepare themselves for that moment of destiny, will receive his
gracious mercy.
Then will occur all the grand events declared in the
Scriptures: Christ as king ruling over a world at peace (Zechariah
14:9; Revelation 11:15); one law, teaching the people peace (Isaiah
2:3); one worship, teaching the people righteousness (Zechariah
14:16-17). War and injustice will be removed (Psalm 46:8-10; Jeremiah
23:5); the poor and helpless will be cared for (Psalm 72:4); the earth
will yield its increase (Psalm 67:6); and grateful hearts everywhere
will respond to the divine purpose: "As truly as I live, all the
earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD" (Numbers
14:21).
Then those who have made a covenant with God today and
in the past, will be blessed with immortality (1 Corinthians
15:15-55), and associate with Christ in glory and authority throughout
the earth (Revelation 5:9-10; Matthew 19:27-30). To them the coming of
Christ will mean the end of all concerns, and the tragic problems of
today. It means the wonderful experience of an eternal future, with
all the blessings that a loving Creator has offered. The Bible invites
us to "taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man
that trusteth in Him" (Psalm 34:8).
This is the grand hope of Christ's Coming. It is the
answer to the perplexing and insolvable insoluble issues of today. It
will bring true peace and prosperity to mankind and the earth. To
believe in the coming of Christ is to have an exciting vision that can
overcome all the problems and difficulties of life, and to provide the
personal means of joy and happiness in a world of despair.
Christ is coming. Of that there is no doubt. The issue
remains as to whether you will be pleased to see him; whether he will
be pleased to see you! That matter rests in your hands.