BIBLE TEACHINGS MADE PLAIN part 25
Return Of Christ in glory
In our last week’s lesson we learned about Jesus in the heavenly sanctuary, Hebr.8:1-3, as Mediator, 1Tim.2:5 and our Advocate, 1John2:1, 2. Jesus atones for our sins we confess to Him through our prayers and they are taken into the heavenly sanctuary, Rev.8:3; Ps.141:2.
Through that spiritual process we are atoned for or cleansed from our confessed sin, 1John 1:9. At the same time Jesus is now cleansing the sanctuary from the contamination of our confessed sins, Hebr.9:23. As we have learned this is taking place since 1844.
He also does a work called investigation, because He is an investigator, a searcher of hearts, Rev.2:23. He investigates if we are right with Him wearing His robe of righteousness, not our own which is as filthy rags, Isa.64:6. From a parable in Matt.22:1-12 we learn that a man was found not wearing Christ’s robe of righteousness and was taken out and be lost. Some may ask why this investigation whereas God is omniscient, knows everything. We read in 1Cor.4:9 that we are a spectacle or theatre to men, angels and the world. Everything what God does and what we do is being watch by our surrounding. We do not live in a vacuum. For that reason what God does must be transparent in order that in the end of all things God cannot be accused of having done something incorrect. And when that is clear to everybody, then according to Phil.2:9-11 everyone shall confess Jesus. God will be declared to be righteous, just and true, Rev.16:5-7; 19:2.In God’s judgment time books will be opened, Dan.7:10; Rev.20:12.It will be very clear to all, inclusive, that God is just and righteous in his dealings with people and what their ultimate lot for eternity will be. For some it will be too late. All will be made alive again in the day of resurrection, but not all will receive eternal life, read John 5:28, 29 and 1Cor.15:22.
Wearing the robe of Christ’s righteousness means that we have accepted Christ as our personal Saviour and call Him the Lord of our righteousness, Jer.23:6. It has to be a faith in Christ relationship and what is not of faith is sin, Rom.14:23. We must remember to keep the Sabbath Holy because we have Christ as our Saviour and Lord but not for reason that we want to earn heaven. We cannot earn merits to get to heaven.
Jesus is the Lord of the Sabbath, Mark 2:28. He must be first Lord of our lives and then we honour Him in keeping His day holy of which He is Lord.
Only talking about Jesus and doing good things is not acceptable either, Matt.7:21-23. It is not only a faith, I believe, relationship but must be also a love obedient relationship, Eccl.12:13; John 14:15, 21; 1John 5:3 and Rev.14:12.Faith that works, Eph.2:8-10. We may believe and not love. The devils also believe and tremble even, James 2:19 but they are not in love relationship with God.
The work of Jesus in the heavenly sanctuary one day will be terminated and the temple where He is ministering as High Priest will be closed and nobody will be able to enter. In Rev.15:5 the temple is first found open and then in verse 6 seven angels are coming out of the temple and are given vials with the last plagues of God, verse 7, and then the temple is closed, verse 8.At that time will be fulfilled the word of Rev.22:11 that the just will remain just and the unjust will remain unjust. After that point no change and no salvation is possible anymore. Now is the time and today we must make a firm decision for God and dedicate our lives to Him as our personal Saviour and Redeemer We read in Rev.22:12 that Jesus will come or appear to give rewards to those who have been found faithful. This is the great day of Christ’s second coming in lory. Christians have been looking and waiting for a long time for the fulfilment of this event.
Let’s explore this further in the scriptures. The first coming or Advent of Christ was as a baby, Luke 2:1-7. The second coming or Advent will be to fulfil His promise that He will come again, John 14:1-3. This promise was assured by angels on the day of Jesus’ ascension into the heavens, Acts 1:11 The same Jesus who went into heaven will come back likewise from heaven and all eye will see Him, Rev.1:7 He went with the clouds and will return with the clouds, which means it will be clearly visible, not in secret. It will also be audible, with a shout from heaven, 1Thess.4:15; Luke 21:26, 27, with power and great glory. For many people it will be a severe frightening event, Rev.6:16 because they are not ready. But for other people who did accept Him as Saviour and the Lord of their lives it will be joy and gladness, Isa.25:9. They have been waiting for Him and are glad to see Him.
He will also come with all His angels, who have work to do in gathering all people who are ready together to meet Jesus in the air, also those who have been resurrected from their sleep in death, Matt.24:31; 25:31; Mark 13:27 Read also Rev.19:11-16. The resurrection will be a great event. The voice will go out “wake up”, Isa.26:19. Read more about the resurrection in 1Thess.4:13, 14; 1Cor.15:22, 23; John 5:28, 29. The man Job in all his misery was looking forward to this day of resurrection, Job 19:25-27.
The coming of Christ will also be like the lightening goes from the east to the west, Matt: 24:27 very clearly visible. Enoch, the man who walked with God spoke about it in his time, even before the flood, Jude 14.In Psalm 98:9 we read about the coming of the Lord. Later the apostle Paul to Titus counselled that in waiting for this glorious appearing we should live under the teachings of Grace, Titus 2:11-15
Peter wrote about this time that scoffers will be who laugh about and deny it, read 2Peter 3:1-12. But Peter assures all of us it will come and we should live in readiness for it. It will come as a thief, unannounced as a thief does not announce the hour or day when he comes to steal or to rob, Matt.24:36. If you take time to read all of Matt.24; Mark 13 and Luke 21 you will notice we are not completely left in the dark regarding the time of His coming. Many signs are given by which we will notice that it is coming near. The time in which He will come is compared to the time of Noah and later Lot, read Matt.24:37-39 and Luke 17:26-30. When we see these things happening, as we see it today, we must wake up and be ready, watch and pray the Word says, Matt.24:45 and Luke 21:36.
John the apostle who was an exile on the Isle of Patmos received visions of this glorious coming, Rev.14:14; 19:11-14.
Daily dedicate your life to God and Christ. Daily ask for the Holy Spirit to guide and teach you through His word. This will keep you in a state of readiness. Surrender your life to day for that purpose, Jesus loves you, He died for you in your place and do not postpone to dedicate your life to Him but live daily in a state of readiness to meet Him. God bless.
Commitment: By God’s grace and faith in Jesus I will commit myself daily to Jesus in love and obedience and I will look forward to His return as He has promised.
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