THE PROMISE OF CHRIST RETURN
All of us have heard the saying, “ the end is coming!” Yet, we live in a generation that does not live like we believe that! I am convinced we need to live with the end in mind! There can be no doubt as to the scriptural evidence for the coming of the kingdom of Christ. There are literally hundreds of verses in the Bible that predict an earthly kingdom of God on this earth, ruled by the SON of God and superseding all the kingdoms of the world. Most of the prophets, deal with the subject, often holding it out as a source of encouragement to the children of Israel in their most desperate days. One of the things that we need to keep in the forefront of our minds is that God will establish his kingdom in his HOLY place in his due time. Regardless the unending antagonism of men, God will keep his promises.
The glorious appearing of Jesus Christ is perhaps the most exciting event in all of biblical prophecy. Every Christian who knows anything about the Bible looks forward to the blessed day when Jesus Christ the Lord of all will truly be glorified. His coming in glory will be marked is a wonderful event. It will stand in stark contrast to his first coming. The first coming he was humbly born in a manger he suffered and was abused, beaten and rejected by mankind. But the next time our Lord returns He will come in great power and great glory his glorious appearing will be for all to see.
The Son of Man is not only coming, but there's a purpose for his coming. We have a choice to make in this life and that choice is serious. The seriousness of that choice is indicated by the coming judgment, which the Son of Man will hold upon his return.
Living with the end in mind motivates us to understand that there will be a judgment. And at this judgment we will be held accountable. One of the divine roles of Jesus Christ is this judgment. In verse 27 we see 2 things that are worth noting:
First: His glory. The Glory of Christ is something we talk a lot about but do we understand it? In the passage that follows… Matthew 16… Is the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ. So Jesus spoke of his coming and of his glory, and then he showed them for their own eyes to behold. Here's the deal: this one who is to suffer is God's chosen Messiah, his son, whose true nature is revealed in his divine glory. Peter, James and John were led up to a high mountain by themselves verse 1 of chapter 17 tells us… there Christ was transfigured before them. In his divine glory revealed before their eyes. They saw light, brilliance, and they heard a voice from heaven. The disciples stood in fear in the appearance in sudden disappearance of men long ago confirmed all that Jesus have been trying to teach them. It is brief but it is memorable.
Second: His authority. Jesus is coming as judge. His coming is future. When he comes he will be in a recognized position of supreme authority. It will be undeniable! He is in authority now it is just not visible with Human eyes... But make no mistake about it there is coming a day when His visible authority, is revealed as Judge over the world.
Hebrews tells us it is appointed unto man once to die and then face judgment. The thought of judgment confronts man with the sobering truth of his final encounter with God. Christ hen he comes will have authority over the saved, over the unsaved and over all of heaven, earth and hell. It will be a visible and undeniable authority!
For more on this topic visit my website and listen to the sermons I gave at Immanuel Baptist Church. http://expectinganencounter.com/his-life.php
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