Marvin L. Weir
There are many who believe and teach that the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ is imminent. The popular song “Jesus Is Coming Soon” contributes to the false notion that there are “signs” that point to this world’s end and Jesus’ return (note the beginning of verse one and especially verse two). The first half of Matthew 24 is often falsely referenced to support the view that the end of the world is near. Especially are verses 4-8 quoted in connection with the coming of Christ:
And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars; see that ye be not troubled: for these things must needs come to pass; but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and there shall be famines and earthquakes in divers places. But all these things are the beginning of travail.
A careful study of the first section of Matthew 24 reveals that Christ is teaching regarding the impending destruction of Jerusalem. Notice the warning given in verses 15 through 22. There were indeed signs that pointed to the destruction of Jerusalem but no signs are given by the Holy Scriptures that point to Jesus’ return and the end of the world. Rather, the Bible teaches,
Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all these things be accomplished. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. But of that day and hour knoweth no one, not even the angels of heaven, neither the Son, but the Father only” (Matt. 24:34-36, emph. MLW).
The final judgment is known only by the Father. Regarding the above verses, Tom Wacaster in his commentary on Matthew entitled The Majesty of Jesus, Vol. II notes the distinction Jesus makes between current happenings and the end of the world in stating:
The student should note the distinction that Jesus continues to make between “that day” and “these things.” Note the contrast again in verses 34 and 36. In 34 He spoke of “this” day or “these things”; here He turns their attention to “that day.”
The book of Acts indicates that Jesus will come or appear in the same manner as He was beheld going into the heavens (Acts 1:9-11). Thus, the Lord will not be represented by anyone as He will come personally. The apostle Paul leaves no room for doubt regarding this matter as he declares, “For 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” (1 Thess. 4:16).
Acts 1:9 reveals that “a cloud received him out of their sight.” His second coming will also involve the clouds as John records, “Behold, he cometh with the clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they that pierced him; and all the tribes of the earth shall mourn over him. Even so, Amen” (Rev. 1:7). This one verse of Scripture destroys the Jehovah Witness teaching that declares Jesus has already come and only a select few witnessed the coming. Please note that when Jesus comes “every eye shall see him.” There will not be a single soul living or dead that will not be aware of the Lord’s coming!
Jesus’ second coming will not be as a helpless babe who had to be protected from wicked King Herod. Christ will not come as the Savior of man but as the Judge of all who have lived upon the earth. The Bible records, “and to you that are afflicted rest with us, at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with the angels of his power in flaming fire, rendering vengeance to them that know not God, and to them that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus: who shall suffer punishment, even eternal destruction from the face of the Lord and from the glory of his might” (2 Thess. 1:7-9).
Now is the time for people to prepare for the coming of the Lord. Until the Lord comes the faithful child of God will be:
Steadfast in service and worship! One who truly loves the Lord will never forsake assembling with the saints (Heb. 10:25). A follower of Christ will always worship “in spirit and truth” (John 4:24). A Christian will continue steadfastly in “the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and the prayers” (Acts 2:42). One who is concerned with truth realizes that the Lord’s Day worship consists of singing (Eph. 5:19), preaching or teaching (Acts 20:7), prayer (Acts 2:42), communion (1 Cor. 11:20ff) and the giving of one’s means (1 Cor. 16:1-2; 2 Cor. 8:9).
Watching! The vigilance the Bible demands must not be ignored. Listen to the plea of the Bible:
Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. It is as when a man, sojourning in another country, having left his house, and given authority to his servants, to each one his work, commanded also the porter to watch. Watch therefore: for ye know not when the lord of the house cometh, whether at even, or at midnight, or at cockcrowing, or in the morning; lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch” (Mark 13:33-37).
Barnes’ comments on verse 37 and watching as follows:
We know not the time of our death. We know not how soon we will be called to the judgment. The Son of Man may come at any moment, and we should therefore be ready. If we are his friends; if we have been renewed and pardoned; if we have repented of our sins, and have believed on him, and are leading a holy life, we “are” ready. If not, we are unprepared, and soon—probably while we are not expecting it—the cold hand of death will be laid on us, and we shall be hurried to the place where is weeping, and wailing, and gnashing of teeth.
Working! No one will be saved by “grace only!” Peter told his audience to save themselves from their crooked generation (Acts 2:40). One must work out his “own salvation with fear and trembling” (Phil. 2:12). Paul taught the Galatian brethren, “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith working through love” (Gal. 5:6). It is by God’s grace that we are able to obediently serve and worship Him (Heb. 5:9-9).
Yes, the Lord is coming but not to this earth nor to establish His kingdom. Neither do we know when. Watch! Be ready!
