Whether you know it or believe it or not, we are living in the last days!
The Scriptures warn of a day when scoffers will come sniggering at the very thought of Christ’s imminent return.
“Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, and saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.” 2 Pet 3:3-4
Martin Luther, the famous figure from the reformation, said, “If I knew Jesus was coming tomorrow, I would plant a seed today.” And this is the paradox we live with as believers. We must live with no promise of tomorrow, yet plan for the lifetime of our children’s children! The first generation Christians expected Christ’s return at any moment, so one thing is for certain, we are a lot closer today!
When these truths are internalised, not just analysed, they have a supernatural power to transform an individual from the inside out. In the light of Christ’s immanent return the born again believer will regulate their life with eternity in mind, not being bound by a temporal mindset.
The Doctrine of the Second Coming of Christ…
The finish line is sight - keep running!
1. Is a comfort and purifying hope which encourages the believer to holy living. (1 John 3:2-3; Rom. 8:20-25; Titus 2:13; 2 Pet. 3:9-13)
2. Is called to remembrance every time a believer partakes of communion. The Church is to do this “until He Come”. (1 Cor.11:23-32; Mat. 26:26-29)
3. Challenges the believer to watchfulness and prayer. (Mat 24:42-44; 25:13; Luke 21:34-36)
4. Challenges the believer to be continually filled with the Holy Spirit through fellowship and prayer, expecting and watching for the Bridegroom (Matt 25:1-13)
5. Encourages the believers to faithfully employ their God given talents in the increase of the Kingdom (Mat. 25:14-30).
6. Causes the believer to be spiritually alert in anticipation of His soon return (Mark 13:32-37)
7. Encourages the believer in times of trial and persecution. (Heb.10:32-37; 2 Tim.2:12; James 5:7-8)
8. Stirs the Church to evangelism, seeking the salvation of as many as possible before the end of the age (Mat.13:24-30,36-43)
