The coming of Christ

There has been a lot of speculation recently about The End of Times. The storms and tornadoes this year have been a major factor in the sparking of this discussion. These disasters have been some of the worst of all times since recording began. Many people are asking if the increasing number of such disasters is a sign that the return of Christ is coming. Now Jesus did say in Matthew 24:8 that such tragedies, in addition to war and persecution are the "beginning of birth pains" which certainly are increasing in frequency and intensity.

A few months ago, the owner of a Christian radio station declared that May 21st 2011 would be Judgement Day for the world. This proclamation received mass media coverage worldwide even though the Bible states that only the Father in Heaven knows the exact date of Christ's return.

The huge discussion in the media about God, Christ, Christianity might have been a really positive thing, until the end of the day May 21st arrived and no 'Judgement Day' had occurred. This then unfortunately gave the world press reason enough to write in a more negative way about Christianity. We Christians need to focus ourselves on living a holy, godly life on earth as we wait and work diligently for the return of our Saviour.

In 2 Peter 3:10 Peter described the day of the Lord when the "heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire." In 2 Peter 3:10-12 he wrote what kind of impact this should have on us now, "Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God."

One day, Christ will return and create a new heaven and earth. He will come in the fullness of his glory, to receive into his glorious presence those who have believed in him. It will be a truly awesome moment, nothing like we have ever known before.

Since we will be made fully like Christ at his coming, our current lives should be a continuous process of allowing the Holy Spirit to work in our lives helping to transform us into His likeness. In 1 John 3:2-3 it says "But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure."

We do not know when Christ will return but we do know that he will return. Are we ready? Have our sins been washed away? If we have trusted is his atoning on the cross, are we creating a deep and faithful relationship with him so that we may be "confident and unashamed at his coming"(1 John 2:28)? If so, repeat the quote in Revelation 22:20...

 

"Amen. Come, Lord Jesus"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!