Anticipating His Return: The Ascension and Second Coming of Christ
Introduction:
Today, we explore the profound truths surrounding the ascension of Jesus Christ and the anticipation of His glorious second coming. These events shape our understanding of redemption, hope, and our role as faithful believers awaiting His return.
Point 1: The Ascension of Christ
Acts 1:9-11 (NLT): "And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, 'Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.'"
The ascension of Jesus Christ marks His return to the Father's right hand in glory. This pivotal event affirmed His victory over sin and death, and it set the stage for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. The angels' proclamation foreshadows His promised return in glory.
The ascension signifies the completion of Christ's earthly ministry and underscores His exaltation and authority as King of Kings. As we reflect on Christ's ascension, we are reminded of our commission to proclaim His gospel to all nations, eagerly anticipating His return.
Imagine the awe and wonder of the disciples as they witnessed Jesus ascending into heaven. This extraordinary moment solidified their faith and ignited a burning anticipation for His promised return.
Point 2: The Promise of His Second Coming
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (NLT): "For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever."
The second coming of Christ is the blessed hope of every believer. This event, foretold in Scripture, assures us of His imminent return to gather His people and establish His eternal kingdom. As believers, we await His coming with anticipation and readiness.
The promise of Christ's second coming encourages us to live in readiness, abiding in faith and obedience. It underscores the assurance of our future resurrection and eternal life with Him. Our response should be one of joyful anticipation and diligent preparation.
Consider the excitement and anticipation of a bride awaiting her groom on their wedding day. Similarly, we eagerly await the glorious return of our Bridegroom, Jesus Christ, who will unite us with Him forever.
Point 3: Living in Expectation and Readiness
Titus 2:11-14 (NLT): "For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds."
As we await the return of Christ, we are called to live as faithful stewards, honouring Him in every aspect of our lives. This means cultivating holiness, sharing the gospel boldly, and eagerly anticipating the fulfillment of His promises.
Imagine a farmer diligently tending to his field, eagerly anticipating the harvest. Likewise, we are called to diligently serve and proclaim the gospel, knowing that the day of Christ's return draws nearer with each passing moment.
Point 4: The Urgency of Repentance and Acceptance
2 Peter 3:9 (NLT): "The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent."
God's desire is for all to come to repentance and salvation before Christ's return. The urgency of the gospel compels us to reach out to unbelievers, sharing the message of hope and eternal life found in Jesus Christ.
Imagine a lifeboat rescuing people from a sinking ship. The urgency to save lives drives the rescue efforts. Similarly, we must urgently share the gospel with those who have yet to accept Christ, knowing that time is short before His return.
Our hope in Christ's return motivates us to persevere in faith and devotion.
Living in expectation of Christ's return compels us to live purposefully and faithfully. Let us be vigilant, prayerful, and active in advancing His kingdom until He comes again. Our ultimate calling is to be ready, with hearts fixed on the blessed hope of His glorious return.
Do you have faith in Jesus as your Lord and Saviour? Have you repented and turned to Him?
To quote R.T. Kendall: Life at its longest is still short. We may say, “I need more time.” The truth is, God gives all of us enough time. We may not be prepared for that last day on earth, but we need to get prepared. All of life is moving toward that point when we stand before God at the Judgment Seat of Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:10 (NLT): "For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body."
This verse speaks to the universal reality of judgment before Christ.
Universal Judgment: Paul emphasizes that "we must all stand before Christ to be judged." This underscores the impartiality and inevitability of judgment. No one is exempt from this divine scrutiny.
Personal Accountability: Each individual will be held accountable for their actions. The phrase "we will each receive whatever we deserve" highlights the personal responsibility we have for our deeds.
Judgment Based on Deeds: The judgment will be based on the "good or evil we have done in this earthly body." This underscores the importance of living a life of righteousness and obedience to God's commands. Our actions in this life carry eternal consequences.
2 Corinthians 5:10 underlines the reality of judgment, personal accountability, and the importance of living a life that honours God. It serves as a sobering reminder of the ultimate accountability we have before Christ.
To quote R.T. Kendall again:
"Do you know for certain that if you were to die today, you would go to heaven?
Suppose you were to stand before God (and you will) and He were to ask you (and He might), “Why should I let you into My heaven?” What would you say?
Only one answer will do. I will tell you my answer—and I pray it is yours: Jesus died on the cross for my sins. When it comes time to die, be sure that this is your heart-of-hearts answer.”
2 Corinthians 5:10 underscores the accountability of believers before Christ and motivates us to live with intentionality, knowing that our lives and the location of our eternal home will be evaluated based on our faithfulness, trust and obedience to Jesus.
Responsibility in Living: Believers are encouraged to live with a sense of responsibility and stewardship, knowing that our actions and choices matter in our walk with Christ.
Motivation for Holiness: This verse motivates believers to pursue holiness and righteous living, striving to please God in all things.
Eternal Perspective: Understanding this truth encourages believers to focus on eternal priorities and invest in kingdom work that will endure beyond this life.
Conclusion:
The ascension and promised second coming of Christ anchor our faith and ignite our hope. As we await His return, may we be found faithful, serving Him wholeheartedly, proclaiming His gospel, and urging unbelievers to repent and accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour.
Application and Call to Action:
Embrace a renewed sense of expectation and hope in Christ's return.
Live each day with purpose, dedicating yourself to His kingdom work.
Share the hope of His coming with others, inviting them to join in the joy of salvation and anticipation.
Urgently reach out to unbelievers, to those who are sitting-on-the-fence, to those who are lost and unsaced, calling them to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ before His imminent return.
Let us be transformed by the truth of His promised return, living as lights in a world longing for His redemption and glory.
