The blessed hope of every believer in Jesus Christ and the pivotal doctrine that gives weight to all the promises of the Bible is the Second Coming of Jesus Christ! Jesus Himself repeatedly confirmed that He is coming again— John 14:3 “…I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.” Concerning the precise time of His coming, Jesus cautioned His disciples in Acts 1:7 that it was not for them to know the time “which the Father has fixed by His own authority.” The Bible gives multiple assurances about the second coming of Christ.  It is affirmed in Acts 17:31 that “He [GOD] has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead.”

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However, the primary purpose about the teaching of Second Coming is not to satisfy the curiosity of people, but to motivate us to change our lives. Rather than working for things that will ultimately be destroyed, we should work for things that are eternal. [NKJV Study Bible]. Our key verse in Hebrews 9:28 gives valuable insight into the conditions of acceptance during His second coming. In His first coming He accepted all who came to Him, but, in His second coming He “will appear —– to those who eagerly wait for Him.”

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Normally, when somebody is nearing retirement from his job, he will be looking forward to his retired life – in fact, his last few years he would be working towards ensuring a peaceful living for the remainder of his life! The Bible clearly states the following facts:

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• Jesus will come again to gather those who were waiting for Him

• The exact date of His coming is not revealed to anybody

• After His coming there will be judgment of the whole world

• We have a responsibility to guide our lives in such a way that Jesus will find us acceptable!

Are we prepared to spend the remainder of our lives with Jesus in heaven?

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The Bible reminds us that the awaiting period prior to the coming of our Lord, is time spent with diligence. It is a time of expectation, a time of preparation and a time to make amends to the way of life! 2 Peter 3:14 says: “Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless.” Again Vs.17 warns us “You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your steadfastness.”

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Jesus’ first coming was to save sinners, but His second coming will be to gather saints! Matt.24:41: “…and He will send forth His angels with a great trumpet and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.”

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He has every right to reject those who do not meet His standard, because He did finish all that is required for any human being to be found acceptable to Him. The detailed account of this work of Christ is in our reading.

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• He shed His own blood to put away our sin and obtain our redemption(Vs.11,12;26)

• He mediated a New Covenant between God and man so that all who are called may receive an eternal inheritance (V.15)

• He is NOW in heaven ever interceding on our behalf (V.24)

 

Therefore, we are instructed to keep our steadfastness and the way to do that: “…grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 3:18)

 

Think On: Will you be found ready/acceptable at Christ’s Second Coming?