Project Description
2015/11
Behold He Cometh
We all know that we are to wait for the Lord Jesus Christ to return. Yet the complexity of some of the prophetic scriptures and the vivid imagery used prompt some to feel it is a matter best left alone. Add to that the many different opinions as to what will happen before and after the Lord’s return, and it is not difficult to see why many Christians shy away from a study of the end times.
The Westminster Confession of Faith gives us a helpful appreciation of the challenges in the study of Scripture when it states: ‘All things in Scripture are not alike plain in themselves, nor alike clear unto all: yet those things which are necessary to be known, believed, and observed for salvation are so clearly propounded, and opened in some place of Scripture or other, that not only the learned, but the unlearned, in a due use of the ordinary means, may attain unto a sufficient understanding of them.’ (1:7) This is very much the case with the subject of the Lord’s return. Young person, set yourself to study the Scriptures! Some things are clear and plain. We get an insight into those things in the message to the disciples at the Lord’s ascension (Acts 1:9-11)
The Lord’s return is certain. “this same Jesus…shall so come” (v11). It is a word from the God of heaven who cannot lie!
The Lord’s return will be visible. As the disciples saw Him depart, so He “shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.” “Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him” (Revelation 1:7).
The Lord’s return will be glorious. As He departed in the clouds of Divine glory, so He will return. “For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God” (1 Thessalonians 4:16).
The Lord’s return will be personal. “this same Jesus” (v11); “the Lord Himself” shall descend. The God-man Himself will come as the appointed judge (Acts 10:42)
The Lord’s return will be sudden. “Behold, I come as a thief” (Revelation 16:15).
In light of these clear truths it is our solemn responsibility to be ready. The foolish virgins of Matthew 25 were shut out when the bridegroom returned and “they that were ready went in with him to the marriage” (Matthew 25:10). We must ensure that our sins are pardoned and that we are prepared for His coming. “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night…Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness.” (2 Peter 3:10-11, also Revelation 16:15)
Dr Stephen Pollock.