The return of Christ has been anticipated for a long time. Enoch, only 7 generations from Adam, was the first to anticipate the return of the Lord (Jude 14-15). And many more followed, using different terms and descriptions regarding the coming of the Lord. Daniel saw the “Ancient days” enthroned in “fire” and “one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven” and received in “glory” (Dan. 7:9-10, 13-14). Paul explains “the coming of the Lord… 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 in the clouds…” (1 Thes. 4:15-17). Terms that jump out are “heaven”, “angel”, and “clouds”. There are many more scriptures that build a majestic picture of Christ return. This indeed is the proper expectation to have of Christ return.
We would do well to study and learn about the coming of Christ. There are rampant replacements of Jesus everywhere we look. It is easy to spend hours watching tantalizing Instagram videos or endless streaming options. We can spend countless hours searching our screens for that magical feeling of glory that is only imaginary, when Christ has already told of his glory to come. Joel Beeke unpacks how we can overcome this challenge of not seeing Christ in his glory.
“Christ’s presently invisible glory and splendor will become openly visible and manifest in this world (Col. 3:3-4). The present state of the church on earth is that “we are absent from the Lord: (for we walk by faith, not by sight)” (2 Cor. 5:6-7). Currently “you have not seen him,” but that will all change at the “revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Pet. 1:7-8 ESV).”
In this life as we know it, we cannot see Christ, but that does not detract from the glory and splendor that is currently surrounding him. Paul saw in a vision (or maybe in person) the glory of Christ (2 Cor. 12:2). That vision changed him forever. If we could have just a moment to see what Paul saw, how much more would we anticipate Christ? Paul answered that in a way, saying that because he did have that privilege, the rest of his life God gave him a thorn to keep him from becoming conceited (2 Cor. 12:7). This was a benchmark for Paul in his life and ministry. Once he saw Christ glory, there was no going back, he was all in. The church of Christ is now absent from Jesus and only with eyes of faith can we continue to see him. But one day that will all change. One day every tribe and nation will see Christ in all his glory (Matt. 24:30).
This is the message we need to simmer in our hearts. When the allurements of entertainment try to convince us that they are more attractive then Christ, let us use the tool Christ gave us to believe otherwise. Peter saw Christ on the mount of transfiguration in all his majesty (2 Pet. 1:16-18). You could say Peter had a special privilege that we never had and only a few on earth have ever experienced. But God has made provision for all the rest of us. That is God’s prophetic word. All we need to do is heed the call and pay close attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place.
“For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, such an utterance as this was made to Him by the Majestic Glory, “This is My beloved Son with whom I am well-pleased”— and we ourselves heard this utterance made from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain. So we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts.” 2 Peter 1:16-19
We are still waiting for the return of Christ. But until then, as often as we look at the glorious portrait of Christ in Scripture, we can see the day dawn and the morning star rising in our hearts.
Still not convinced that the glory of Christ can take a higher place in your heart? Take a look at what Christ will do when he comes a second time. Let these awake a new anticipation for his return.
Christ coming will reveal the glory of God with power and glory (Matt. 24:30). This will be glory to both the Father and the Son, as they are one (John 10:30, 1 Pet. 4:13, Matt. 16:27). This will be glory never before seen on earth (Is. 2:10-11).
Christ will come to destroy the wicked. Jesus is the great defender of his church and his judgement one day will come (Matt. 24:9-12, 37-39, 2 Pet. 3:3-7).
Christ will raise people from the dead. Christ was the first to be raised from the dead and all those who believe in him will be raised to be made alive with him (1 Cor. 15:22-23). Christ will raise the elect first, to be with him, but he will also raise the unjust later (John 5:28-29, Acts 24:15).
After Christ raises all, he will judge all (Matt. 25:31-32, 46). He will reward the faithful and condemn the unfaithful (1 Cor. 4:5).
Christ will renew and reign on his throne in a new heaven and a new earth (Matt. 19:28, 2 Pet. 3:4, 9-10, 12-13). Creation has been longing for this renewal (Ps. 96:11-13).
Christ will fulfill all his promises. He promised an eternal inheritance and he will deliver (Heb. 9:15). Unlike any inheritance here on earth, this inheritance will be to have a relationship with God, which will never fade or lose value.
Christ will be in blessed communion with his people (John 14:2-3). We will not just see Jesus from a distance, we will be with him as he display’s all his glory (John 17:24).
Fill your eyes with a view of Christ and you will see greater things then anything this world can offer.
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