p. 130 | THE COMING OF CHRIST

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Mar 3, 1887

"THE COMING OF CHRIST."

UNDER this title, after speaking of the several unscriptural and fanciful interpretations which are given to the promise of our Saviour, "I will come again" (John 14:3), the Methodist Recorder says:—

Other interpreters regard it, and we think correctly, as referring particularly to the personal appearing of Christ at the end of the world. It is a broad, comprehensive promise, intended not only for the apostles, but for believers in every subsequent age. It is the same as if he had said, "I will not stay always in Heaven; I will, after awhile, at a time which it is not now proper to reveal, come back to you."

The object of Christ's departure from his disciples, as he plainly informs us, was that he might prepare a place for them. And the object of his coming again, he declares, will be to receive them to himself, that where he is, there they may be also. This very clearly shows that his coming again does not refer to his appearance to his disciples after his resurrection, nor to his spiritual coming to his people, nor to the outpouring of the Holy Ghost on the day of Pentecost, but to his second coming, at the end of the world, to be glorified in his saints, and admired by all them that love him.

This visible, personal coming of Christ is that which was announced by the angels to his disciples at his ascension. "This same Jesus," said they, "which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven." This is in harmony with the entire teachings of God's word on the subject.

The apostle Paul assures us that "unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation." And, "when Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory." "For," says he again, "the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ."

When Christ instituted the last Supper, he commanded his followers to observe it in remembrance of him, until his coming again. The volume of divine truth closes with the blessed assurance of his coming. "He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus."

This is the glorious hope of the church and of every true believer, the return of the Saviour—the coming of the Bridegroom. The church shall not always mourn her absent Head. Believers in Jesus shall not always be left in orphanage. The Master says, "I will come again." Blessed assurance and hope!