Looking Up?

There is a lot of disagreement in the church as a whole over what we call “eschatology,” or prophetic events. Most often, it seems, the differences lie in the order of events. Some don’t believe Christ could return at any time. Some believe that we will go through the Tribulation.

The bottom line is this: you need to believe that Jesus could come back at any time. This is an emphasis of the New Testament, and it can have a purifying effect on your life. As 1 John 3:3 says, “And all who have this eager expectation will keep themselves pure, just as he is pure.”

A literal translation of this verse would be, “Whoever has this hope continually set on Him is constantly purifying himself.” If I live my life in a sense of expectation that Christ could come back at any time, then it will purify me.

Children who are prone to get into trouble will be on their best behavior if they know their parents might walk into the room at any moment. Likewise, if we know that Christ could come back at any time, it should affect the way we live.

In contrast to disobedient children who dread the arrival of their parents, we should look forward with great excitement to the return of our Lord. Like John, we should be able to say, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20). If you cannot say this, it would be an indication that something is not right spiritually.

I enjoy life and the opportunities God sets before me. But if tonight were the night for Christ’s return, I would say, “Bring it on!” Wouldn’t you? That is the way to live.