When Christ Comes

For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together (Matthew 24:27-28).

Jesus said (John 14:1-3), Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. The angels said to the disciples (Acts 1:11), Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.

There is no greater hope in the heart and mind of the Christian than the return of Jesus Christ as King of kings and Lord of lords. There are a number of things that must take place before that happens (according to the Book of Revelation), but the testimony of Scripture is clear that Jesus will return. Those who are premillennialist in their eschatology believe that He will return for His church at the end of this age (a time that remains undisclosed in Scripture). This is called the rapture. Following the rapture will be 7 years of Tribulation. At the end of the Tribulation, Jesus will return and set up His millennial kingdom. When that kingdom is concluded there will be a brief rallying of the enemies of God who will march against Christ and His kingdom. That rebellion will be immediately crushed, the universe destroyed, the Great White Throne judgment of the damned, the creation of the new heaven, earth, and Jerusalem. Then eternity will begin.

The reference to the lightning flashing refers to how sudden and powerful and public the appearance of Jesus will be. Lightning is not predictable. The return of Jesus is also not predictable. In fact, Jesus said, But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is (Mark 13:32-33).

Although there are many questions about the future that Scripture does not answer, we are told that Jesus is coming again. The signs of the times that precede His return are unfolding before us, telling us that His return will be very soon. Therefore His words to watch and pray are all the more encouraging to our hope.

“Thank You, Lord Jesus, for the promise of Your return. We wait with great anticipation for that time when we will be with You in Your eternal kingdom forever. The sentiment of the Apostle John expresses our desire, ‘Even so, come, Lord Jesus!’ Amen.”

Pastor