0230. 227. Coming of Christ

227. Coming of Christ

Effects of Believing in His Return

If we believe in the Coming of our Lord we shall be—

1. Pure in Heart. For every one that hath this Hope purifieth himself, even as He is pure—1Jn_3:3. Purity within is essential to rightly see without.

2. Resolute in Purpose. We are exhorted to “gird up the loins of our minds, be sober, and hope to the end, for the grace that is to be brought at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1Pe_1:13). As the girdle braces up the body, so the truth of the Lord’s Coming will hold together in a resolute purpose the mind of our determination.

3. Sanctified in Life. The reason why the Lord sanctifies and cleanses His Church now, is that He might “present it to Himself a glorious Church” (Eph_5:26-27). The spotless garments of a sanctified life have a qualifying recognition in the glory of the future—Rev_19:7; Rev_21:2.

4. Ardent in Love. The reason why Paul served the Lord so faithfully was because he loved the Lord so devotedly—2Ti_4:6-8.

5. Patient in Trial. When James exhorted patience under persecution, and a steady persistence amid ridicule, he said: “Be patient, therefore, brethren, unto the Coming of the Lord,” and repeats his exhortation by saying: “For the Coming of the Lord draweth nigh” (Jas_5:7-8).

6. Expectant in Attitude. Of the early Christians, it is said they were waiting for the Son of God from Heaven, and the outcome of knowing the grace of God is, we shall be looking for that Blessed Hope and the glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ—Tit_2:11-14; 1Th_1:10.

7. Faithful in Service. Our Lord has bid us to occupy till He come, and as we are faithful to Him in trading with the pound of the Gospel, which He has committed to our trust, we shall be rewarded accordingly—Luk_19:12-26.

By: DR. F. E. MARSH