The Return of the Lord

Bible Reading:

(Malachi 3:2) But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap:

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Surprise. That is what most people will first feel when Christ returns. Surprise because they had spent their lives believing that He doesn't exist. Surprise because they didn't believe He would return. Surprise because they didn't think His return would be in their lifetime.

Fear. That is what most people will next feel when Christ returns. They will fear His mighty and fair judgment of their unbelief. They will fear His power when He overcomes their mightiest armies with a single word. They will fear His righteousness and justice which stands victorious over all who would oppose Him.

The return of Christ is an awesome thing to think about, but to behold it is another thing all together. Who can stand? Every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. His enemies will be His footstool, and they will be destroyed, broken, and His wrath will escape none.

But to the Believer, the ones who love His appearing, such fear flees rapidly for their faith. His blood has been spilt to wash them of their sins. His promise is their escaping the wrath and judgment of the Lord. There is, therefore, no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus. To the believer, the return of Christ is a blessed event, a hope filled with joy. Christ's coming means their salvation, victory, and glorification. His coming means that final transformation into the holiness and purity of Christ is upon them.

C. H. Spurgeon -

Let us search ourselves this morning and make our calling and election sure, so that the coming of the Lord may cause no dark forebodings in our mind. O for grace to cast away all hypocrisy, and to be found of him sincere and without rebuke in the day of his appearing.