Saturday, August 4, 2018
Revelation 22:20 Surely, I am coming quickly.
SO WHEN WILL THE LORD COME?
We have certain flags that should warn us of the near approach of the end. The Bible says: "But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: for men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!" (2 Timothy 3:1-5).
Shall we fear? No, but Scripture does tell us to turn away from that which is evil and hold fast in faith to Christ Jesus. Christians will want to live each day as though it were their last.
Christians live in the certain hope of everlasting life by reason of Jesus' suffering, death, and resurrection. As such they await the return of the Lord. As such they will pray for the strength to live as salt on the earth. They will want to live in honesty and truth toward all, showing the love of Christ to all in words and actions. Christians recognize that the world yet stands only because God is gracious and does not desire the death of the sinner, but that the sinner turn away from sin and find his life in Christ.
It is not as important to know WHEN the end will come as to believe that it WILL come. So the child of God prays on the one hand for forgiveness day by day, and on the other hand for a watchful spirit so that when the end does come he may be with the Lord where He is-- in heaven before the throne of God's glory, in peace and joy forever.
After the toil of this life, and all the sorrow and evil, they who have found their life in Christ will know the reality of these words: "There remains therefore a rest for the people of God" (Hebrews 4:9).
"He who testifies to these things says, Surely, I am coming quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!" (Revelation 22:20f).
