He May Come Today
The teaching that Christ can come at anytime is called the "imminent" return of Christ. It does not say he is coming soon, but rather that He may come at any moment. What is the significance? Does that affect the way we live?
Reflecting on the trials and sufferings in this present age, Paul said we are "waiting eagerly" for the completion of our redemption (Romans 8:23, 25). As a pregnant mother anticipates the birth of her child, so all creation is groaning with labor pains, waiting for release. Paul exhorted the Philippians not to center their attention on earthly things because "our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ" (Philippians 3:20).
We eagerly wait for our Savior because He can come at any moment. If we know His coming is far off, we don't wait eagerly. As we look for Him, we want to be pleasing to Him when He returns; therefore we are instructed to "deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in this present age" (Titus 2:12-13). The Thessalonian believers left their idolatry to search for the true God and "to wait for His Son from heaven" (1 Thessalonians 1:10). What a simple, beautiful statement. Are you waiting for your Savior each day? As G. Campbell Morgan said, "I never begin my work in the morning without thinking that perhaps He may interrupt my work and begin His own. I am not looking for death - I am looking for Him." He may come today - what a glorious hope!
-From Approaching God by Paul Enns; part of The Inspirational Study Bible: New Century Version by Max Lucado
We have all eagerly waited for one event or another in our lives. Do you look forward to Christ's return? Do you get more excited anticipating a birthday or anniversary? Why or why not? What can you do to prepare for Christ's return?
But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ. -Philippians 3:20
It (the grace of God) teaches us to say, "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age. -Titus 2:12-13
Reflecting on the trials and sufferings in this present age, Paul said we are "waiting eagerly" for the completion of our redemption (Romans 8:23, 25). As a pregnant mother anticipates the birth of her child, so all creation is groaning with labor pains, waiting for release. Paul exhorted the Philippians not to center their attention on earthly things because "our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ" (Philippians 3:20).We eagerly wait for our Savior because He can come at any moment. If we know His coming is far off, we don't wait eagerly. As we look for Him, we want to be pleasing to Him when He returns; therefore we are instructed to "deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in this present age" (Titus 2:12-13). The Thessalonian believers left their idolatry to search for the true God and "to wait for His Son from heaven" (1 Thessalonians 1:10). What a simple, beautiful statement. Are you waiting for your Savior each day? As G. Campbell Morgan said, "I never begin my work in the morning without thinking that perhaps He may interrupt my work and begin His own. I am not looking for death - I am looking for Him." He may come today - what a glorious hope!
-From Approaching God by Paul Enns; part of The Inspirational Study Bible: New Century Version by Max Lucado
We have all eagerly waited for one event or another in our lives. Do you look forward to Christ's return? Do you get more excited anticipating a birthday or anniversary? Why or why not? What can you do to prepare for Christ's return?
But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ. -Philippians 3:20
It (the grace of God) teaches us to say, "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age. -Titus 2:12-13
Comments
Post a Comment