If we would judge the importance of a truth by how often it is mentioned in Scripture, we could come to the conclusion that salvation by grace through faith and the second coming of Jesus Christ are the two most important doctrines in Scripture.
From Genesis through Revelation, the second coming of Jesus Christ is mentioned over and over. Jude, perhaps the first prophets to ever live tells us that "..Enoch also, the seventh from Adam.." (1:14) declared the second coming of Jesus Christ.
It is impossible to believe the Bible and not believe in the second coming of Jesus Christ. It is impossible to take the Bible at face value and not believe in the second coming of Jesus Christ. It is impossible to faithfully preach the Bible as it is and not preach on the second coming of Jesus Christ.
Jesus, in Matthew 24-25 makes it abundantly clear that no man knows when He will return (24:36,42,44,50; 25:13). We do not know when our Lord Jesus is returning the second time, but we are certain that He is returning the second time.
We are told often in God's Word not to worry about the future, however, we are never instructed to disregard, ignore, or fail to prepare for the future. Proverbs 22:3, "A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished." Jesus instructs us to be ready for His return at all times. (Matthew 24:44, "Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.)
To be ready for His return, we must...
Accept the First Coming of Jesus Christ! The purpose of Jesus first coming was to provide salvation from sin and it's judgment. None of us will ever be ready to face the Lord at His second coming until we first accept by faith what was accomplished on the cross and empty tomb at His first coming.
Anticipate the Second Coming of Jesus Christ! The word "ready" in Matthew 24:44 means to be prepared; to be in a state of readiness. The implication is to be in a state of anticipation. Paul anticipated the return of the Lord in his lifetime (see 1 Thessalonians 4:17). We are told in 1 Corinthians 11:26 that one purpose of the Lord's Supper is to help us remember the Lord's crucifixion and to anticipate His return.
Be Alert to Deception About the Second Coming!
The word "ready" in Matthew 24:44 means to be prepared; to be in a state of readiness. The implication is to be in a state of anticipation. Paul anticipated the return of the Lord in his lifetime (see 1 Thessalonians 4:17). We are told in 1 Corinthians 11:26 that one purpose of the Lord's Supper is to help us remember the Lord's crucifixion and to anticipate His return.
When the disciples asked the Lord about His return in Matthew 24:3-4, He immediately warned them of deception (see Matthew 24:5,11,23-26).
One of the Chief characteristics of the last days will spiritual deception.
One of the best ways to be prepared for the Lord's second coming is to not allow myself to be deceived by man's ideas and philosophies. I must make sure my faith and life line up with the Word of God and make sure my church lines up with the Word of God. Titus 2:11-14, "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works."
Be Actively Proclaiming the Gospel Until the Second Coming!
In Acts 1:7-8, the Lord told His disciples just before His ascension that timing of His return is none of their business. Their business was to stay busy witnessing and proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ till He returns.
Jesus is coming again whether we are ready or not. Let's make sure we are ready.
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