JESUS CHRIST IS COMING AGAIN!!
     "This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven" (Acts 1:11, NKJV)
Devotion #8 of 15

THE SURETY OF HIS COMING
     Kingdom  power is found in affirmation, not explanation. This situation takes glory from men, and gives it to God, where it belongs. For example, the number of times the return of our Lord is affirmed in Scripture is staggering. Here is a fact upon which faith can build! In Christ, an assertion is not made to buttress a position, but to provide an anchor for faith; to bring stability to the soul. Further, Scriptural affirmations directly contradict delusions that the devil and his kingdom of darkness foster.

     Here is a collage of Scriptures that shows the emphasis given the FACT of Christ's return in the Word of God. Contextual considerations will be addressed later in this lesson and following ones. Let us first establish the CERTAINTY of His return.

     "When the Son of man SHALL COME in His glory . . . " (Matt 25:31). "For whosoever shall be ashamed of Me and of My words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when He SHALL COME in His own glory, and in His Father's, and of the holy angels" (Luke 9:26). "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I WILL COME again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there
ye may be also" (John 14:3). "When Christ, Who is our life, SHALL APPEAR . . . " (Col 3:4). "For the Lord Himself SHALL DESCEND from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God . . . " (1 Thess 4:16). "When He SHALL COME to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day"
 (1 Thess 1:10). "But the day of the Lord WILL COME . . . " (2 Pet 3:10). "And now, little children, abide in Him; that, when He SHALL APPEAR . . . " (1 John 2:28). "Behold,I COME quickly . . . " (Rev 3:11). "Behold, I COME as a thief . . . " (Rev 16:15). "Behold, I COME as a thief . . . " (Rev 16:15). "And, behold, I COME quickly . . . " (Rev 22:12). "He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I COME quickly . . . " (Rev 22:20).

The outcome of Christ's work is not apparent
     The present condition of the believer requires solid affirmations like this. The outcome of Christ's vicarious work is not openly apparent. There are still some that chide, "Where is the promise of His coming?" (2 Pet 3:4). He has taken sin away (Heb 9:26), but many cannot see it. He has destroyed the devil (Heb 1:14), but it is hidden to multitudes. The world has been reconciled unto God (2 Cor 5:18-19), but the masses do not perceive it. 

Christ's enemies are not openly subjected
     Following His resurrection, Christ ascended into heaven, assuming the enthroned position "on the right hand of the Majesty on high" (Heb 1:3). The Father Himself seated Him there, in honor of what He had accomplished, and in order to the completion of the work. No angel has ever, or will ever, hear the words spoken to the Son by the Father. "But to which of the angels said He at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?" (Heb 1:13).

     From one perspective, Christ has already gained the victory. The heavenly places can now be occupied safely by the redeemed without fear of the enemy (Eph 2:6). But, unfortunately, His enemies still rage upon the earth, not  appearing to be under His control. But they ARE under Him, and that will be made known when He comes again.

The bride and Bridegroom are currently separated
     We are now espoused to Christ (2 Cor 11:2). Yet, "whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord" (2 Cor 5:6). How we long for His return, for then we will be united with Him. We are preparing for the marriage now. Soon, we shall join in shouting the words across the new heavens and earth, "Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and His wife hath made herself ready" (Rev 19:7). Our current separation demands the return of the Lord!

PRAYER POINT: Father, the Gospel of Your Son has awakened within my heart a strong desire to see Him as He is, and to be with Him in Your Presence. Give me grace to protect and nourish that desire. in Jesus' name, and for His sake, help my desire to see Him grow and dominate my heart and mind.

-- TOMORROW: PROPHESIES OF THE PROPHETS --