The study of final things is very interesting, especially in this day when it seems there are things happening that appear to be related to the fulfillment of Bible prophecy. Remember, however, that prophecy is not the main emphasis in the scriptures. The scriptures tell us about God, Jesus, mankind, salvation, worship, prayer, and daily Christian living and service. Prophecy is dealt with appropriately in the Bible, but it is not the main emphasis. However, there is definite value in studying final things, particularly since the study of those things revolves around the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The second coming of Jesus Christ ought to motivate believers to holy living. The time of the Lord’s return is unknown; therefore believers should be prepared for His coming. The second coming of Jesus ought to motivate believers to be faithful servants. The second coming of Jesus ought to motivate believers to become faithful witnesses. The second coming of Jesus ought to motivate believers to love one another. The second coming of Jesus ought to motivate believers to not judge other. The second coming of Jesus ought to produce patience in the lives of believers. The second coming of Jesus ought to produce hope in the lives of believers. Jesus taught that His return should be a comfort to His followers because He would return to take them to be with Him. The second coming of Jesus ought to motivate believers to watch for His coming. 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17 gives details concerning the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ in the air. The Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first; then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; and so shall we ever be with the Lord. The next verse declares, Wherefore comfort one another with these words. Comfort is found in the fact that believers who have died will be raised, believers who are still alive will be reunited with those who have died, the bodies of all believers will be changed, and believers will be with the Lord forever. The responsibilities of believers in regard to the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ include: 1.) Believing in His coming, 2.) Praying for His coming, 3.) Loving His coming, 4.) Being alert, expecting and watching for His coming, 5.) Patiently waiting for His coming, 6.) Do not scoff at the thought of His coming, 7.) Live in such a way as to be unashamed at His coming.
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