Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17, NKJV
“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17, NKJV)
Yes, the Lord is going to return to this world. Count on it. Just as there were many prophecies in the Old Testament regarding the first coming of Jesus Christ, there are many passages like the one above stating how Jesus Christ is going to return to this world to set up his Kingdom.
We are told to watch, and to be prepared for this event. This world is not our home. In fact, we become more uncomfortable in it as we see more of the previews of coming attractions recorded in the book of Revelation:
“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.” (Philippians 3:20–21, NKJV)
“You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.” (2 Peter 3:17–18, NKJV)
Our best protection is to feed ourselves continually on the Word of God and cultivate our relationship with Jesus Christ through obeying his Word.
We need to remember his goal for us is to be ready when he returns:
“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.” (1 Thessalonians 5:23–24, NKJV)
Christ will do the sanctifying in us as we submit to his Lordship.
Today, ask yourself:
How does my anticipation of the Lord’s return impact my daily behavior?
How has this website helped you?