Saturday-Day 17
In our introduction to our Christmas devotional, we defined the term "advent" that is often used as a label for the Christmas season. The "Advent" is the coming. Christmas stresses the birth, that is the first coming of Jesus, yet we understand that there will be a second coming of the Lord! We spent the first part of our Christmas journey examining His first coming which was in the past! The latter days of our Christmas devotional we will consider His future second coming!
There is a significant difference in the number of scriptures which support each of the comings. In the Old Testament, there are upwards of three hundred prophecies that proclaim the first coming of the of the Lord Jesus. Yet when we count the number of verses that describe the Second Coming in the Old
Testament and New Testament there are close to twenty-four hundred promises that Jesus will come a second time! This speaks of the importance of the second coming in the plan of God for humanity. This is the greatest single theme in Scripture! We must not ignore the prophetic signs that point to the nearness of His return[1].
We now ask: Are there differences in the purpose of each coming?
The first coming of the Lord was necessary as it was the means to bring mankind back into relationship with his Creator! The blood of the flesh of God (Acts 20:28) at Calvary was the needed bridge for the Spirit of God (John 4:24) to cross the river of sin that separated God from His creation man. The plan to build the bridge and the design of the bride was established at the foundation of the world (Rev.13:8). The construction of the bridge started with the birth of the Lord Jesus and was finished with His death, resurrection, and ascension. Now the Spirit had the means to invade and conqueror the hearts and bodies of mankind. Human bodies would become the temple of the Spirit of God (1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19-20). God would receive praise and glory by the living of the people of God (1 Peter 2:9). This would bring about the expansion of His Kingdom on earth!
The second coming would have a different purpose. This is the conclusion of the plan of God for this present world. At the first coming of Christ, He was the example of a humble servant serving not His own will but the will of Him who had sent Him (John 4:34). At His Second Coming, He will not be coming to serve but to rule! His ruling will bring about the final defeat of Satan! Not only will Satan be judged but the earth will be destroyed and purged of all sin!
Just as the first coming was prophesied and came to fruition, the second will also happen. Scoffers throughout time have challenged the believer stating that this was an empty, foolish thought (2 Peter 3:3-4). Why have people scoffed at the idea that Jesus would return? For the simple reason of desiring to fulfill their own sinful desires (2 Peter 2). For if there is no Second Coming then there is no judgment. Individuals do not have to answer to God for their selfish, sinful actions done in disobedience to His Word!
How can we know for sure that He will return? The following facts from Bible prophecy concerning the Lord Jesus return should strengthen our resolve to be ready for His return.
- One out of every 30 verses in the Bible mentions the subject of Christ's return or the end of time.
- Of the 216 chapters in the New Testament, there are well over 300 references to the return of Christ.
- 23 of the 27 New Testament books mention Christ's return.
- In the Old Testament, such well-known and reliable men of God as Job, Moses, David, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel, as well as most of the minor prophets mention Christ's return in their writings.
- Christ often spoke specifically about His own return to earth.
- Throughout the centuries, Christ's disciples and followers have adamantly believed, written, and taught that Christ would someday return to earth.
The Bible teaches it. The Lord Jesus stood upon its truths. The apostles declared it and wrote about it.
Apparently, His return has not been considered an insignificant issue through the centuries. But the strange thing is that many Christians in this generation either ignore it or are somehow confused by it. Too bad. It is a marvelous truth[2].
Your Response:
Since we know that He is coming again and that the earth is to be destroyed, it ought to cause us to be people who are holy, pure and morally clean. We need to read the instruction of Peter and apply these words to our lives.
2 Peter 3:10-14
10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,
12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?
13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
Take time to slowly read and meditate on the thoughts that you have been reading. Examine yourself and make any needed corrections to support Godly living in your personal life!
No comments:
Post a Comment