Coming Soon - Pt. 1

 

So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, the was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:6-11 ESV).

 

There are so many things happening in our day that remind me of the doctrine known as “the Imminent Return pf Christ.” The Return, Second Coming, or Second Advent of Christ refers to the future return of Christ to earth at the end of the age. This return will be visible and physical as he comes from heaven on the clouds to bring final judgment and salvation. The New Testament establishes the doctrine of the Second Coming. Jesus refers to his future return in glory. While the term “Second Coming” or “Second Advent” does not occur in the New Testament, there are several nouns and verbs used to refer to the return of Christ. The hope believers have of his return ought to give us confidence of his victory and the salvation of our mortal bodies from sin once and for all to have a glorified resurrected body that is pure, immortal, and incorruptible (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:35-49). The Second Coming, then, has implications for how believers live day to day in an attitude of watchfulness and readiness.

 

Because of these truths I thought it might be good to spend a little time in the Scriptures that deal with the Second Coming. That takes us to our reading today. It is just before Jesus ascends into heaven as the disciples look on. They ask a natural question: “When are you going to restore the kingdom?” (v. 6). As has always been the case, Jesus doesn’t give an answer concerning the date. It is as if that is not the important question. And I believe that is the principal reason for His silence in this matter.

 

The angels appear and speak directly to this when they affirm the return of Jesus. I should also point to their question preceding the declaration: “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven?” (v. 10). Jesus’ return is a settled event. It is already scheduled. There is no need for concern about when it will take place. As is true with everything God brings to pass, it will be on-time. Our call then is to do those things to make sure everyone hears the gospel. That really is the only means of hope, now and then. I do believe it is very soon. In the coming days, I hope to encourage you to be busy modeling and sharing the truth of this great work of grace in Jesus.