How Should I Be Prepared For Christ’s Coming?

Christ’s second coming refers to the time, when Jesus Christ will return to earth to finish His work of salvation. It will be ‘the day of judgment.’ “And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the Day of Judgment, but we can face Him with confidence because we are like Christ here in this world, 1 John 4:17 or ‘the day of wrath.’ “But no, you won’t listen. So, you are storing up terrible punishment for yourself because of your stubbornness in refusing to turn from your sin. For there is going to come a day of judgment when God, the just judge of the entire world … But He will pour out His anger and wrath on those who live for themselves, who refuse to obey the truth and practise evil deeds, Romans 2:5.

However, for God’s people, it is the ‘day of redemption.’ “… Remember, He is the one who has identified you as His own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption,” Ephesians 4:30.

The origin of the second coming is found in the teachings of Jesus. Speaking of Himself, as the Son of Man, Jesus said: “The day when the Son of Man is revealed,” (Luke 17:30) He will come in clouds with great power and glory.” Jesus’ last reference to His second coming was at His trial before the Jewish authorities, when he replied the high priest question as to whether He was ‘the Christ. And Jesus replied, “I am; and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven,” Mark 14:61-62.

The rest of the New Testament also describes how Jesus’ second coming will eventually take place. The book of Acts begins with the angels’ assurance after Jesus’ Ascension that “this Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw Him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11). The apostles’ messages in the book of Acts also make repeated references to Jesus, as the one ordained by God to be judge of the living and the dead. (Acts 10:42; Acts 17:31).

The New Testament repeatedly announces that Jesus Christ will be back. The Saviour’s Second Advent will be personal and physical (Matt. 24:44; Acts 1:11; Col. 3:4; 2 Tim. 4:8; Heb. 9:28), visible and triumphant (Mark 8:38; 2 Thess. 1:10; Rev. 1:7). Jesus comes to end history, to raise the dead and judge the world (John 5:28-29), to impart to God’s children their final glory (Rom. 8:17-18; Col. 3:4), and to usher in a reconstructed universe (Rom. 8:19-21; 2 Pet. 3:10-13).

In the New Jerusalem, God and the Lamb are enthroned and reign together forever (Rev. 22:1, 3).

Paul teaches that Christ’s coming will take the form of a descent from the sky, heralded by a trumpet fanfare, a shout, and the voice of the archangel. Those who died in Christ will already have been raised and will be with Him, and all Christians on earth will be raptured, so that they may at once return to earth with Him as part of His triumphant escort. 1Thessalonians 4:16-17.

No dates, however, can be deduced from this data; the time of Jesus’ return remains completely unknown. Christ teaches (Matt. 24:36-51) that it will be a tragic disaster, if the period finds anyone in an unprepared state. Rather, the thought of what is to come should be constantly in our minds, encouraging and teaching us to live as it were on call, ready to go to meet Christ at any time (Matt. 25:1-13), (1 Cor. 15:58).

God bless.

skabiaraofciem@yahoo.co.uk