Big Idea: Abiding in Christ produces a number of results. The first being that we hope for Christ return. For as the Day of Judgement approaches we will only be confident in his appearing if we are found in Christ.
Abiding in Christ Brings __________________________
1 John 2:28 (ESV) — 28 And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming.
We as Christian’s live ever suspended by what God has done in Christ and what God will do in Christ.
There are three primary terms in the New Testament used to denote the second coming of Christ: (1) apokalupsis, meaning “a revelation” or “an unveiling,” signifies the disclosure of something previously hidden; (2) epiphaneia, meaning “an appearing,” marks the visibility of Christ’s physical return; and (3) parousia, meaning “a coming” or “an arrival,” anticipates the personal return of Christ. Here John uses the word parousia. This is the only time he uses the word. This word was something of a technical term and marked the arrival of a king, ruler, or official with open splendor, dignity, and respect. It is a word early Christians frequently employed to distinguish the second coming of Christ and to mark the judgment that will accompany his return (cf. Matt 24:3, 27, 37, 39; 1 Cor 15:23; 1 Thess 2:19; 3:13; 4:15; 5:23; 2 Thess 2:1, 8–9; Jas 5:7–8; 2 Pet 1:16; 3:4, 12). John’s use of the word reminds the faithful saints that they can stand with confidence, unashamed at Christ’s coming.
When the bible speaks of the second coming of Christ it speaks of it as that which the believer should long for and that which the unbeliever should dread.
Matthew 19:27–30 (ESV) — 27 Then Peter said in reply, “See, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?” 28 Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life. 30 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.
Matthew 24:30–31 (ESV) — 30 Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
Matthew 24:44–51 (ESV) — 44 Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. 45 “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time? 46 Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. 47 Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. 48 But if that wicked servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed,’ 49 and begins to beat his fellow servants and eats and drinks with drunkards, 50 the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know 51 and will cut him in pieces and put him with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
What we learn of the second coming is that it is a day that the servants of Christ wait for in great anticipation because it is a day that their Savior and King returns in all of his splendor and glory. The second coming of Christ is the great judgement and the great vindication.
Questions to Consider
Do you long for the return of Christ? Why or Why not?
How is the Day of Judgement consistent with Christ’s character? Do you struggle with this reality? Why or why not?
Does the hope of Christ return encourage you to live for Christ on this earth? Why?
