Why Christ Waits: The Perfection of Character and Infinite Mercy

Christ is waiting with longing desire for the manifestation of Himself in His church because He will only return to claim His people as His own when His character is perfectly reproduced in themLDE 39.2+1. This delay is an act of infinite mercy, providing the world with a larger span for repentance before the day of judgment10MR 265.2.

The Perfection of Character

The belief that Christ waits for a perfect reproduction of His character comes from the understanding that the harvest of the earth is only reaped when the fruit is fully brought forthCOL 69.1.

• The Divine Standard: The law of God is intended to form the character of His people after the divine similitudeFE 393.2.

• The Manifestation: Christ desires His excellencies to be shown forth through His servants, who owe the world a perfect image of His characterMISM June 28, 1898, page 217.4.

• The Final Generation: Prior to His coming, the true church will be distinguished by keeping the commandments of God and possessing the Spirit of prophecy Revelation 12:17CET 243.6.

The Reason for the Delay

The Lord does not delay because of a lack of power or a change in plan, but because of His deep love for humanity10MR 265.2.

• Infinite Mercy: He delays His coming to ensure that as many as possible have the opportunity to repent and obey the gospel10MR 265.2.

• Preparation Time: This period allows for a deep searching of heart, the healing of controversies, and a weaning of affections from the things of this worldSCOC 72.3.

• Testing Faith: This "tarrying" time serves to try and prove God's people, revealing whether they will truly trust in Him and remain watchfulARSH January 19, 1860, page 71.10.

The Mission of the Church

While Christ waits, the church has a sacred commission to prepare the way for His return18MR 162.2.

• A Loud Cry: The everlasting gospel must be preached to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, announcing that the hour of His judgment has come Revelation 14:6-7COL 227.1.

• Reforming the Mind: Those preparing for the second advent are called to a work of reform, including temperance and simplicity, similar to the mission of Elijah3T 62.1.

• Constant Readiness: Because the exact day and hour are unknown, believers must maintain habitual watching to ensure they are not surprised as by a thief Matthew 24:42-44TM 233.1+1.

... come.” Christ is waiting with longing desire for the manifestation of Himself in His church. When the character of Christ shall be perfectly reproduced in His people, then He will come to claim them as His own— COL 69.1 (1900)

...ng in flaming fire to take vengeance on those sinners who know not God and obey not His gospel. And because, in His infinite mercy, He delays His coming to give the world a larger span for repentance, sinners flatter themselves [that] He will never come— 10MR 265.2 (1990)

...s to glorify Him. Therefore we owe to the world a perfect example of honest and goodness; in short, we owe them a perfect image of Christ— MISM June 28, 1898, page 217.4

Where shall we find laws more noble, pure, and just, than are exhibited on the statute books wherein is recorded the instruction given to Moses for the children of Israel? Thro...— FE 393.2 (1923)