REDEMPTION

Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple blessing God. (Luke 24:44-53)       

            The story of redemption can be considered in three stages: The Old Testament reveals God the Father planning and preparing. The Gospels reveal God the Son accomplishing. And the New Testament reveals God the Spirit applying and effecting.

            Jesus came into the world in a special way and returned to the Father when His mission was accomplished. Similarly, the Holy Spirit came in a special way and is now fulfilling His mission on earth. What happens when His mission is accomplished?

The foretelling of redemption

            The gospels record John the baptizer announcing the coming of the Messiah. The name Jesus is especially significant to His earthly mission. The construction-craftsman Joseph was told, “She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus [Joshua, “the Lord saves”], for he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21) Jesus came to seek and save those who are lost.

            As John the baptizer announced Jesus, Jesus announced the Holy Spirit. “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you … But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” (John 14:15-18, 26)

            “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.” (John 16:13-15)

            The disciples were troubled at the thought of Jesus leaving – their Master, Mentor, Messiah. The Holy Spirit came to personally fill the emptiness in their lives after His departure, a special infilling rendered impossible while the Son was with them. The mission of the Holy Spirit is to come alongside to counsel, comfort, instruct, and intercede.

            The Holy Spirit is continuing the earthly mission while Jesus engages in a heavenly ministry. The twofold work of advocacy is presently taking place. Jesus pleads the case (Advocate) of His followers before the Father, while the Holy Spirit provides sound counsel and expert guidance (Advocate).

The advent of redemption

            Jesus came at a definite date in history. “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.” (Galatians 4:4-5) His advent was at a perfectly timed moment for the special purpose of redeeming and adopting.

            The advent of the Holy Spirit followed shortly after the ascension of the glorified Jesus to heaven. The Apostle John explains in his narrative, “Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.” (John 7:39)

            Like Jesus, at a uniquely appointed time the Holy Spirit came. “When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.” (Acts 2:1-4) The Feast of Ingathering defined the purpose for the coming of the Holy Spirit.

The embodiment of redemption

            By coming to earth born of a woman Jesus was God Incarnate. “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14) The tabernacle of Glory on earth became manifested in the bodily presence of Christ.

            By coming on the day of Pentecost the Holy Spirit is manifesting God Incarnate through the Church, the body of Christ. “In whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.” (Ephesians 2:21-22) The Church is presently the tabernacle of Glory on earth, currently under construction and one day made complete.

            Jesus finished the work of redemption in a human body and the Holy Spirit applies the work of redemption in the body of Christ, with Jesus being the Head. The assembly being gathered throughout the earth is to manifest the splendor of the risen Savior.

The ascension of redemption

            When Jesus completed His mission on earth He “ascended higher than all the heavens.” (Ephesians 4:10) He did not simply vanish as a disembodied spirit. He physically ascended. (Luke 24:51)

            The resurrection and rapture of the church, the body of Christ, is directly linked to the Holy Spirit. “If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.” (Romans 8:11)

            “For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)

            The ascending of the church from the earth is synchronized with the descending of the Lord from the heavens for a meeting in the air, Head and Body joining together in celebration of true life. The fashioning of the church “in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish” (Ephesians 5:27) is complete, then conclusively sealed and delivered to the Father with sounds of praise and triumph.

            When the Holy Spirit completes His mission on earth, will He then return to the Father at the ascension of the body of Christ, the rapture? “For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. Only he who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way.” (2 Thessalonians 2:7)

            Whether the Holy Spirit is present on earth during the Great Tribulation is an occasional discussion point among those following Jesus and is not emphatically indicated in Scripture. Will life on earth be similar to older covenant times, prior to Christ’s first appearance? Will the attention of God return to the descendents of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and the completion of His plans to them?

            When the world enters the final chapter of retribution (Revelation 16), an epoch of reckoning and reprisal, there appears to be no help or Helper, and life will be torturous. No level-headed person will want to be here.

Full redemption

            The Holy Trinity is involved in redemption – the Father plans, the Son effects, and the Spirit applies. The Father testifies of the Son, the Son testifies of the Father, and the Spirit testifies of Father and Son.

            The Holy Spirit is at work to bring about the completion of redemption, and the body of Christ is the testimony of redemption. In light of the second coming, the Spirit desires to mightily advance the cause of Christ in and through you. Be filled with the Spirit, led by the Spirit, and walk in the Spirit. Be actively a part of completing the mission.

LOOK WHO'S COMING,3: HIS APPEARANCE

Acts 1:6-11 – ⁶So when they had come together, they were asking Him, saying, “Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?” ⁷He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority; ⁸but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.”  ⁹And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. ¹⁰And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was going, behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them. ¹¹They also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.”

            The church has a reliable promise: Jesus is coming again.  His coming involves appearing twice. The church meets Him in the air and then returns to earth with Him as the beautifully adorned Bride.  The Judgment Seat of Christ is where the church becomes properly adorned for the Wedding Supper of the Lamb.  At the Judgment Seat of Christ the true nature of your testimony is accurately revealed.  Today is your opportunity to lay up treasures in heaven and gain an abundant entrance into His kingdom.

            The event called the rapture naturally arises a few questions. How is He coming, when is He coming, and will He come surreptitiously?  Scripture gives greater clarity about this event.

Jesus is coming in the clouds.

            Clouds in the sky herald a change of weather on the earth. The cloud of His coming heralds a horrendous change of conditions in the world.

            Being raised in Seattle, summer clouds normally meant the temperature would cool down. That was not the case in hot and muggy Minnesota.

            Thinking as a Seattleite I would hope for rain to bring cooler temperatures. When the rain ended in Minnesota, however, the clouds would leave, the sun would reappear, the temperature would still be hot and the air was muggier. Clouds meant conditions would become more miserable shortly afterwards.

            Similar changes will occur after the rapture. A person will not want to be here. Life will be worse than anything imaginable.

            Note these Scriptures about His appearing in the clouds:

            “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. ¹⁴He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.” (Daniel 7:13-14)

            Jesus said, “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.” (Mark 14:62)

            “At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory.” (Matthew 24:30)

            “Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of him.  So shall it be! Amen.” (Revelation 1:7)

            “…He was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid Him from their sight…. Two men dressed in white stood beside them…. ‘This same Jesus will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven.’” (Acts 1:9-11)

            Whatever the future holds, Jesus coming in the clouds of heaven is the key that will unlock the mystery.

            Years ago, two young men became followers of Jesus at a Lowell Lundstrom evangelistic crusade. In one of the services Lowell talked about the second coming of the Lord. They got very excited.

            Later they were driving down a road together and noticed a very unusual cloud in the sky. They thought it might be the cloud of the Lord. They pulled over to the side of the road and waited. They did not want their car to go out of control when they were taken. Is your anticipation to this level?

Jesus is coming with the trumpet sound.

            “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16)

            “…In a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.” (1 Corinthians 15:52)

            Jesus said, “And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.” (Matthew 24:31)

            The whole earth will hear the trumpet of God, the last trumpet, the loud trumpet.

            The trumpet sound is connected to the feasts of Israel. Israelites celebrated seven festivals throughout the calendar year. Each foreshadowed something of eternal significance. Leviticus 23 records the Passover, Unleavened Bread, First Fruits, Pentecost, Trumpets, Day of Atonement and Tabernacles feasts.  Some of them occurred simultaneously.

            Passover. In the Older Testament the blood of a lamb saved Israel from God’s plague in Egypt. In the New Testament the blood of Jesus covers believers from God’s wrath over transgressions.

            Pentecost. In the Older Testament the Feast of Ingathering celebrated the gathering of the harvest. In the New Testament the Holy Spirit empowers believers to gather in those willing to follow Jesus.

            Tabernacles. In the Older Testament Israel celebrated their pilgrim journey in the wilderness. In the New Testament believers recognize this world as not their final home. There is “a city whose builder and maker is God.”  The present life is a pilgrimage that people pass through.

            Trumpets. In the Older Testament the seventh new moon was regarded, by Israel, as the consecration of a natural division of time. In the New Testament the last trumpet announces the fulfillment of the Gentile period. God will once again deal specifically with the covenant people of Israel; a division of time will occur.

            Jesus died during the Passover festival and the Holy Spirit came during the Pentecost festival. Some speculate He will return during the Trumpet festival. Scriptures declares, however, “No one knows the day or the hour.”

            The Apostle Paul reveals the present time is the Gentiles period. On account of Israel’s disobedience, God is pouring out His Spirit upon all people groups. When the trumpet sounds, God once again addresses Israel’s condition. The trumpet of God sounds the gathering of the church and God’s final dealing with Israel.

Jesus is coming for the looking church.

            Many people naturally wonder when the rapture will occur. Not knowing is probably to everyone’s best interest. If the day and hour was known tremendous laxity would naturally occur. Many would live recklessly and with indifference.

            In 1988 a pamphlet was published entitled, “88 Reasons Why Jesus Will Return in 1988.” The book created a stir in various churches. Some took it seriously and decided to get ready. The approach taken, however, revealed a tremendous flaw in character. Some took out loans with hopes of not repaying. Jesus is coming back for a prepared church – watchful people, not embezzling people.

            A major aspect of the “when” question centers around the Great Tribulation. Will the rapture occur before, during or after the seven-years of misery?

            A few questions are worth pondering: Will God treat the last generation of believers differently than He treated all other generations? If God dealt with the believer’s sin on Mount Calvary, why would God’s wrath on sin fall upon forgiven believers?

            The Bible reveals God spares the righteous from His wrath toward evil and corruption. If God spared the righteous from His wrath in prior times, you can reasonably expect Him to spare the righteous at the end of times.

            Note these Scriptures:

            “Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth.” (Revelation 3:10)

            “There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. ²⁶Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. ²⁷At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. ²⁸When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” (Luke 21:25-28)

            “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap. ³⁵For it will come upon all those who live on the face of the whole earth. ³⁶Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:34-36)

            “Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son, ²³that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent him. ²⁴“I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned….”  [NASV – “does not come into judgment.”  The Great Tribulation is a time of judgment.] (John 5:22-24)

            Jesus’ coming is called the Blessed Hope. “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. ¹²It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, ¹³while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ….” (Titus 2:11-13) Hope means expecting with joyous anticipation. There is no joy of expectancy if Jesus waits until in the midst of or following God’s wrath.

            Everything is ready for Jesus to come. You are not instructed to look for the “lawless one,” also known as the “anti-christ.” You are instructed to lift up your head because His salvation is coming quickly. Jesus is the only appearance believers should be looking for.

Look up!

            Jesus is coming in the clouds, with the trumpet sound, and for a looking church.

            In this series, the promise of His coming gives attention to Jesus coming for people who know Him.  The rapture gives attention to Jesus coming for people who serve Him.  His appearance gives attention to Jesus coming for people who look for Him.

            The church in Thessalonica was confused about the meeting in the air. They were not ready. Their actions revealed they were not wholesomely looking for His return.  Instead of being busy for Jesus, they had become busybodies.  Instead of working for the Kingdom, Paul had to admonish them, “If you don’t work, you don’t eat.”  They saw His return as an opportunity to lie around and do nothing.

            Jesus is coming for a prepared church filled with watching believers and sincere worshipers.  You are to live in a spirit of anticipation; knowing Him, serving Him and looking for Him. Are you ready?

LOOK WHO'S COMING, 2: THE RAPTURE

1 Corinthians 15:51-52 – Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, ⁵²in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.

            One of the great promises of Scripture is Jesus’ second coming. It is incorrect to say, “Is Jesus coming again?” It is not a question but a statement!

            Jesus came a first time and will come a second time. Jesus said He will come again, angels declared He will come again, the Apostles stated He will come again and the ordinances of the church (water baptism and communion) express He will come again. His coming is a reliable promise; it is the Blessed Hope. Hopefully, Jesus is coming for you.

            Are you living with a sense of anticipation? Years ago I was talking about His return and a toddler was sitting with his parents, paying attention to every word. At the end of the service the parents wanted to leave. He told them he was not ready to go just yet; Jesus was coming and he wanted to see Him. The innocent and simple approach to life, revealed in children, is the kind of expectancy needed by all who follow Jesus.

            First Corinthians 15 declares a shocking event connected to His return. Believers refer to it as the rapture.  The word is not used in Scripture but refers to being “caught up,” as stated in 2 Thessalonians 4:17.

            Here are some key elements to this Biblical event.

Jesus’ second coming is only once but He will appear twice.

            The Apostle Paul reveals by divine revelation a future event. There is no reference to the rapture in the Old Testament.

            Some Old Testament mysteries became clear after Jesus’ ministry on earth. The confusion of the suffering Messiah was cleared up after Jesus came and died on the cross. Jews and Gentiles being brought together into a divine community became clearer after the Holy Spirit was poured out on the day of Pentecost. These vague truths under the Old Covenant became understood in the New Covenant.

            There are mysteries not even revealed in the Old Testament. The rapture is a New Testament truth. Although not foretold in the Old Testament, there are types (Old Testament pictures of New Testament truths). God did not release His just wrath upon the wicked world until righteous Noah was safe from harm. God did not unleash destruction upon the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah until righteous Lot was a safe distance away.

            The rapture removes people made righteous through Jesus Christ before God’s judgment impacts the wicked and corrupt world system.

The rapture begins the final preparation.

            At the rapture Jesus receives His own and prepares them to come back with Him.

            The Bible illustrates this pattern. When David returned to Jerusalem, after his son’s defeat, His faithful followers met him at the Jordan River and returned with him to the city. (2 Samuel 19:10-15; 20:1-3)

            When Jesus walked on water, faithful Peter came out to meet Him and, with dependence upon Jesus, returned with Him to the boat. (Matthew 14; 22-34)

            When Paul was on his journey to Rome, believers came to meet him and returned together to the city. (Acts 28:15-16)

            The rapture is when faithful believers meet Jesus in the air and become prepared to return with Him to the earth.

After the meeting in the air

            Following the rapture, the church (the Bride of Christ) becomes properly adorned and united with her Lord. The adornment occurs at the Judgment Seat of Christ.

            “Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. ⁷We live by faith, not by sight. ⁸We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. ⁹So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. ¹⁰For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” (2 Corinthians 5:6-10)

            This “judgment” is not with regard to sin. Sins become covered when Jesus is Lord of your life. Sins are forgiven on account of Mount Calvary. The Judgment Seat of Christ is when followers of Jesus discover the truth of their testimony.

            “His work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work. ¹⁴If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. ¹⁵If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.” (1 Corinthians 3:13-15)

            Eternal life is through faith in God. Does your life give clear evidence of being a child of God? As someone once said, “If you were to stand trial for your faith would there be enough evidence to convict you?” Indifference and loose living impacts the quality of your testimony.

            Regardless what you say, you live according to what you actually believe. Eternal life is a priceless gift. Inappropriate behavior and unwholesome activities cheapens God’s grace. If you believe in Jesus then live for Jesus. As followers of Jesus, the present time is for laying up “treasures in heaven.”

            “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, ⁴and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, ⁵who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.” (1 Peter 1:3-5)

            Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. ²⁰But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” (Matthew 6:19-20)

            Based on your testimony today, you can experience an “abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom.” Salvation is by grace, through faith, not by works; however, you are saved unto good works. Your life is to produce great results of eternal value.

            If there has been no change in your life since asking Jesus to be Lord, you should question your salvation. Your conversations and activities will not usher you into His eternal kingdom but should reflect you are a member of His kingdom. James reveals saving faith produces good works (James 2:24). Your activities should reveal you have a place in the Kingdom of God.

            Believers will appear before Jesus, at the Judgment Seat of Christ, and accurately see the record of their life. Let your life show the right way to live.

            The classic book of Chuck Colson, Loving God, makes reference to the west coast gangster Myer Harris Cohen, known as Mickey to his friends. He was a Kingpin for the L.A. mob in the late 1940’s. He wanted to be a follower of Jesus and still live as he had always done. When confronted by another believer he responded, “There are Christian movie stars, Christian athletes, Christian businessmen, so what’s the matter with being a Christian gangster?”

            Colson wrote, “Cohen was echoing the millions of professing Christians who… through their very lives pose the same question… [of] being Christianized versions of whatever they already were….  C.S. Lewis called these hybrids ‘Hyphenated Christians’….  Like Mickey, we cannot love God – cannot obey Him – and remain what we are.”

            With Jesus leading your life, change should be expected. Penetrating the darkness does not mean allowing darkness to penetrate you. By following Jesus you are already being judged by the world. The moment you identified with Him, the world started scrutinizing your life. People know there are some things believers should not be doing, things inappropriate.

            I was speaking to a young couple living across the street from our home and made reference to normally driving 5 M.P.H. over the speed limit on the highway. They knew I was a minister and said, “I thought people in your profession didn’t do such things.” They were making light jest about my driving but the comment reveals Christ followers have a different standard to live by. People know believers should do things saturated with righteousness; such as, speaking wholesomely and being helpful. Good fruit should be evident.

            “If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. ¹⁶However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. ¹⁷For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? ¹⁸And, ‘If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?’ ¹⁹So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.” (1 Peter 5:15-19)

The Judgment Seat of Christ

            This judgment is gloriously filled with rewards. Rewards are signified in the Bible with the word, “crown.”

            The incorruptible crown is for those found faithful. (1 Corinthians 9:25)

            The crown of rejoicing is given to those who lead others to Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 2:19)

            The crown of righteousness comes to those ready for His coming. (2 Thessalonians 4:8)

            The crown of life is given to those who persevere under trial. (James 1:12; Revelation 2:10)

            The crown of glory is given to those who faithfully care for God’s family. (1 Peter 5:4)

            Rewards are given to believers who live in obedience to God.

The wedding

            After being properly adorned with a royal crown, the church is united with her Lord. The Apostle Paul said to the church in Corinth, “I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him.” (2 Corinthians 11:2)

            “Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: ‘Hallelujah!  For our Lord God Almighty reigns. ⁷ Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.’ ⁸ Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear. The fine linen represents the righteous acts of the saints. ⁹Then the angel said to me, ‘Write: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!’” (Revelation 19:6-9)

            The Judgment Seat of Christ is part of the wedding; the Bride becomes properly adorned. Purifying fire reveals the righteous acts and followers of Jesus are rightfully rewarded.

            United with her Lord, the church is eternally with Him, like husband and wife. The Apostle Paul declared, “We shall always be with the Lord.  Therefore, comfort one another with these words.” (1 Thessalonians 4:17-18) Where He goes, the church goes; when He returns, the Bride returns with Him.

A glorious destiny

            A glorious destiny is waiting for those who love Jesus. Some may enter eternity without any “treasure in heaven” and some will have “an abundant entrance.” How will it be for you?  It’s your choice!

            People can build with wood, hay and stubble (1 Corinthians 3:12). Although not very durable, they are building materials. They cannot, however, survive fire. Will your testimony be able to withstand the scrutiny of the all-knowing God?

            Make your life count for Jesus! Your conversations and lifestyle should make a statement of lasting value. Be ready for the rapture. It could happen – right now!

LOOK WHO'S COMING, 1: THE PROMISE

2 Peter 3:3-4 – “³Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts, ⁴and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation.”

            People sometimes wonder what a local church teaches.  The Assemblies of God embraces sixteen fundamental Biblical truths.  Yet, sixteen core values can be difficult to remember. How about remembering four?

            When people ask, “What does your church believe?” give them these four truths: People are to have a personal relationship with God through His Son Jesus. The Holy Spirit empowers believers to dynamically reveal Jesus to others. Supernatural healing is available because of the death and resurrection of Jesus. Believers are to live each day with expectation of Jesus’ second coming.

The second coming of the Lord is referred to as the “Blessed Hope.” Are your conversations indicating indifference to this special hope? Have you developed a “business as usual” mentality?  Rarely, if ever, do people use the phrase, “Should Jesus tarry…” when speaking about future plans.

A lot of emphasis is placed on the Christmas holiday.  The glorious truth of Scripture is the immense step from the Babe of Bethlehem to the triumphant Lord returning to earth for His own people. Whenever church bells ring the joys of Christmas, they should cause greater alertness for the final trumpet announcing His second coming.  The value of Christmas, other than helping the economy, is to remind everyone Jesus is coming again.

This end-time series is divided into three groups.  The first is in four parts entitled, “Look Who’s Coming.”  The second is in two parts entitled, “Notice the signs.”  The third is in five parts entitled, “Living with the promise.”

Through the ages people have mocked the idea of His coming.  When we think of mockers, we normally think of the unchurched.  What the unchurched say is of little value to those in Christ. The church is not of the world and should not expect beliefs to be viewed favorably.  The mockers of this world will one day become the mourners of His coming.  (Revelation 1:7)  Beliefs are based on the Bible, not the opinions of the unchurched.

Of greater concern are mockers in the church; people who mock His coming by the way they live.  Second Peter 3:3 defines a scoffer as one who follows their own evil desires.  A form of mockery about His coming is to pursue the excessive accumulation of possessions and live solely for worldly pleasure.

Life-changed believers demonstrate transformation by rendering service to God.  The property thought to be owned are more accurately resources that are managed and are for the Lord’s usage.  Some who attend church hoard the little they have and build higher fences to keep people out.  Believers distance and isolate themselves so nobody can lay claim to their treasures.

Jesus is coming for a ready church, a church more concerned about adorning herself for her Redeeming Groom, than with acquiring notoriety and fame.

Scriptures do not leave “Jesus is coming again!” as a question but as a statement.

Reasons to consider His second coming

            How you view all of Scripture is dependent upon this event. Over 300 references are made in the New Testament to His coming. One out of twenty-five verses make reference to His coming. Whole chapters are devoted to this event; Matthew 24-25, Mark 12, Luke 21, 1 Corinthians 15. Whole books deal with this promise; 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, Revelation. What you believe about the Second Coming will decide how you understand Scripture and will impact how you live for Jesus.

            Your beliefs about God will be influenced by when you think the rapture will occur. Believers use terms such as pre-tribulation (pre-trib) or mid-tribulation (mid-trib). Some speak of a pre-wrath rapture when discussing the “meeting in the air.”

            Your anticipation of eternity will be influenced by your thoughts about the millennial reign of Christ. His second coming is important to your understanding of all God’s word.

            The signs of His coming are intensifying. Although signs will be considered later, present-day events take on a whole new dimension when seen in the light of Scripture. The conflicts of the Middle East take on greater meaning when Scripture is studied. Though Hollywood and the Media loosely use the term “Armageddon,” a genuine worldwide conflict will take place on a piece of real estate located at the crossroads of the world.

            God wants prepared believers. Is the church ready for His coming? Hebrews 12:1 declares, “…let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”

            Is there anything still entangling you? Is there anything holding you down when being called up?

            Some believers desire to experience more of life. They want Jesus to come, just not yet. Women want a big wedding and marriage, or have a baby, then He can come. Men want to explore the world and hope He holds off His return for awhile. If not careful you can find yourself void of a “first love” relationship. His second coming should not be second place in your life.

Five Biblical reasons His second coming will happen

            The fact that Jesus came a first time testifies that He is coming a second time. There are 300 references in the Old Testament to His first appearance. His birth, life, ministry, trial, death and resurrection are revealed in the Old Testament. Every one of the prophecies was fulfilled.

            There is more stated about His second coming in the Old Testament than stated about His first coming. How He will appear, His rulership over Israel, His judgment upon the nations, and many details of the coming conditions of the earth under His leadership are recorded in the Old Testament. These prophecies will also be fulfilled, as were the prophecies of His first appearance.

            Jesus said He would come again. A follower of Jesus lives with the assurance that what Jesus said is true. To believe He is God and confess He is Lord yet deny His return is to call Him a liar.

            Jesus said, “For the Son of Man is going to come in His Father’s glory with His angels, and then He will reward each person according to what he has done.” (Matthew 16:27)

            Jesus said, “For I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’” (Matthew 23:39)

            Jesus said (after being asked if He was the Christ), “I am; and you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.” (Mark 14:62)

            Jesus said, “In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you.  I am going there to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” (John 14:2-3)

            Jesus will fulfill what he promised.

            The angels declare He will come again. The heavenly messengers sent from God, who surround His throne, who have a special audience with the Almighty, who minister to us, declare He is coming. “They were looking intently up into the sky as He was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them.  ‘Men of Galilee,’ they said, ‘why do you stand here looking into the sky?  This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.’” (Acts 1:10-11) All of heaven is waiting with expectancy for this event.

            The Apostles declared He is coming again. Those who were His eyewitnesses, who heard what He said, saw what He did, walked with Him along the shores of Galilee, and did signs and wonders in His name, believed without doubt that Jesus would come again. If an eyewitness testimony cannot be disputed in their lifetime, it stands as true.

            Paul declared, “According to the Lord’s own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep.  For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.”  (1 Thessalonians 4:15-16)

            The writer of Hebrews wrote, “So Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.” (Hebrews 9:28)

            James declared, “You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.” (James 5:8)

            Peter declared, “But in keeping with His promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and new earth, the home of righteousness.” (2 Peter 3:13)

            John quotes Daniel and Zechariah in Revelation and affirms, “Look, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him….” (Revelation 1:7)

            Jude writes, “See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of His holy ones to judge everyone….” (Jude 1:14-15)

            The Apostles proclaimed with assurance that Jesus will come again.

            The ordinances Jesus gave to the church inform us He is coming again. Participation in water baptism and communion is based on believing in His eminent return.

            Water baptism is a testimony of a future resurrection. You identify with His death and resurrection, declare new life has come in place of a dead nature, and give a physical statement of looking ahead to the day of your bodily resurrection.

            Communion is a testimony of His return. “For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.” (1 Corinthians 11:26)

            Jesus said, “I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father’s kingdom.” (Matthew 26:29) The best way to prepare for His coming is to never forget His continual presence, which is the purpose and design of communion.

            These ordinances keep before the church Jesus will return for His own.

The final victory over evil

            Some think the ultimate triumph over evil will come by human advancement, the gradual evolution of human potential. Given enough time mankind can make the perfect utopia. World War I gave the idea a major blow and World War II broke its spirit. Vietnam laid it in the grave and terrorism has shoveled the dirt of interment over it.

Will human progress stop people and nations from sinning? Will human progress and achievement ever wipe away all tears from our eyes or heal our broken hearts? To ask these questions is to answer them.

The final victory will not come through some natural progress of human development or through the religious forces that are operative in the world right now. The victory will not come by an improvement of the present order.  The high point of human history will be the sudden appearance, on the field of battle, the Captain of our salvation. He will come in glory, and it will be comparable to what John beheld: “Look, I see a great white horse. And there is a Rider on that horse whose name is Faithful and True, and there are many crowns upon his head.” (Revelation 19:11-16)

Jesus, who is the King of kings and Lord of lords, is coming for His people. Are you included?  Are you entangled with the cares of this world?  Is there something able to hold you down when the trumpet sound calls you up? Do not mock the promise of His coming by how you live.