AP

LAST THINGS FIRST

During the season of Christmas, we celebrate the first coming of the Christ child. But what about His second coming? How should we prepare for this? Last things last, that’s what some would say concerning the return of Christ. Why bother with all that end-of-the-world stuff, especially when there are plenty of other difficult theological issues for us to wade through, without having to worry about that. We all agree, after all, that in the end, our side will win – whether Jesus will come back to find His world a horrible cesspool that needs to be cleaned up, a glorious reflection of His successful bride, or something in the middle.

Yes, we know He will come and make all things right. Why then worry about the second coming of Christ at all? The Bible raises two issues which does make this an important matter. First, the Bible talks about the return of Christ. It talks about history, as we now know it, coming to an end. God’s Word is true, and we must not toss aside any portion of His Word in an off-handed manner.

The second problem is the fundamental principle of direction. One cannot know which way to go unless one knows where one is supposed to go. If you are going nowhere, any direction will do. But if you want to get somewhere specific, you must know where you want to go. You can’t get there from here, even if you know where here is, if you don’t know where there is.

The Bible gives clear indication as to the direction we should be going, and what is to occupy our time while travelling in that direction. Paul writes to Titus that believers are to be “looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works (occupation)” (2:13-14). That is not nothing, nor is it indifference. We are called here to look for the blessed hope, to be not only at peace, but looking joyfully forward in the midst of our own cultural collapse, knowing He will return.

And then we are also to purify ourselves, to be a people zealous for good works – to challenge the evil and the sin in the world – to work towards government, education, industry, business systems, which are in conformity with the Word of God. That is to know where we are going. That is to prepare for Christ’s return. We are not to merely occupy until He returns – just waiting around for His coming. No, we are to be the light of the world and salt of the earth as He has commanded us to be. We are called to be more than conquerors – living the Gospel, and working to bring everything into line with what the Bible teaches.

As we look forward with hope, we as a Church and individuals, need to be spending more time preparing ourselves for the return of the Groom, rather than peeking down the hallway to see whether He is coming. This will involve being good stewards of all that has been entrusted to us. Using everything we have and are, for the glory of God, for the extension of His kingdom and the building up His people. As we take hold of the means of grace, as we love and worship our Triune God, as we grow in the knowledge and nurture of Christ, we will be equipped to go out into the jungle of the world, fighting sin, being His agents for change.

Christ’s return is vital. Jesus went to be with his Father in glory, not just to wait or simply to occupy, but to rule. And so we as His servants, will not simply occupy until he returns, but will rule with Him. We are to labour so that His kingdom is extended, and His rule recognized by more and more people. We waste our time and energy if we seek to chart the day and the hour when He will return. Rather, we are to seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness. That is what it means to value Christ’s first coming, and to prepare for His second coming.

– Guido Kettniss