#123 THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST 9-12-26
Jesus is coming again. His first coming was in humility, when He came as a baby in Bethlehem and ultimately gave Himself for our sins. His second coming will be different. He will come in glory, and every eye will see Him. Jesus Himself promised, “I will come again and receive you to Myself” (John 14:3). The Christian does not follow a dead Savior who once lived. We follow a risen Savior who is coming again.
THE PROMISE OF HIS COMING
We have the promise of Christ Himself: “I will come again” (John 14:3). The return of Jesus is not wishful thinking or religious speculation. It is a promise made by the Lord. The angels declared that Jesus would come again (Acts 1:11), and Paul proclaimed that “the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout” (1 Thessalonians 4:16). Heaven has received Him, but heaven will not keep Him forever.
THE PURPOSE OF HIS COMING
Christ is coming to accomplish the final purposes of God. Jesus said that the dead will hear His voice and come forth—some to the resurrection of life and others to the resurrection of condemnation (John 5:28-29). “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:10). His coming means resurrection, judgment, and the final triumph of righteousness. The One who came once to save will come again to consummate what He began.
THE PREPARATION FOR HIS COMING
Because Christ is coming, we should live ready. “Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” (Matthew 24:44). Peter asked what kind of people we ought to be “in holy conduct and godliness” as we look for the coming of the Lord (2 Peter 3:11-12). We do not prepare for Christ by predicting dates. We prepare by trusting Him, obeying Him, serving Him, and remaining faithful.
The question is not simply, “Is Jesus coming?” The question is, “Will I be ready when He comes?” His promise should give the faithful hope, His purpose should give us seriousness, and His coming should give us motivation to live for Him today. “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming quickly.’ Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20).
BDD
