If you are a Christian and hear the words, “the coming” you probably think about the second coming of Jesus Christ. However, that is not what most people think. When I googled the phrase, it was amazing to me how many ways this phrase has been made popular. There are books, movies, and even rap albums that are titled “the coming.” All are fiction and lend themselves to a little acknowledgment of the spiritual realm. I am not surprised at this because most are not ready for the real coming. Satan takes a biblical truth and paints it in a light where we are either in control or where we have no control, therefore live your life now because this is all there is!
The coming I am referring to is the one Paul speaks of in I Corinthians 1:7. This is the second coming of Jesus Christ. His first coming was as a baby. He became a man to stand in our place, and receive the penalty for our sin. At the second coming, he will come as King and Judge and will defeat sin for all eternity.
Unlike the Sci-Fi movie, those who are following Christ as their Lord and Savior have no need to fear. We approach the second coming just the opposite, we look forward to it. In the following verses Paul is reminding the Corinthians that even though there are problems in the church, he is assured they are ready and waiting.
In verse 1:4, he thanks God for the grace he has extended to them. How often do you thank God for his grace to you? How often do you thank him for the grace he has extended to others? What about the grace he extended to that one you prayed for, and finally, after many years of praying, they accepted that grace. That ought to be a Hallelujah moment every day!
I Corinthians 1:4 “I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;”
Next, Paul encourages them by reminding them they have been blessed. They have everything they need to go forward as an ambassador for Christ. They are no less a Christian than anyone else who has accepted the forgiveness of their sins and followed Jesus. Obviously, they were given the gift of speaking in other languages. This gift was for the purpose of telling others the gospel of Christ in their language and confirming their testimony as Christians.
I Corinthians 1:5-6 “That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you:”
In the last verse in this devotion, Paul begins by telling them, that they are not behind, or lacking in any of the gifts that God bestows on Christians. A gift of grace and patience for the second coming of our Lord Jesus. He had begun a good work in them and he would complete it.
Philippians 1:6 “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:”
I Corinthians 1:7 “So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:”
Several scriptures throughout the New Testament speak of His second coming. In John 14:3, he is about to ascend back to Heaven and he comforts his disciples with these words.
John 14:1-2 “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”
They must have been greatly saddened by his leaving them. I can only imagine what they must have thought and felt. However, God gave them another confirmation of his return.
Act 1:10-11 “And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.”
It became, and is a settled hope, that he will return.
Titus 2:13 “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ;”
Hebrews 9:28 “So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.”
The second coming of Jesus Christ will be a wonderful time for those who are His. Those who have confessed their sins, forsaken their sins, and are living for Him. The first time he came to bear our sins, to be an offering for those sins, but this time he will come to confirm our everlasting inheritance, where he will take us to Heaven to place us at his right hand in glory. He will come as our Lord and King. We are waiting patiently, expectantly, hoping, that today will be the day.
As great as the second coming will be for the Christian, the complete opposite will be experienced by those who don’t know him. Their time of redemption is passed.
I can’t wait for Jesus to come back. I look forward to seeing Him, to being reunited with loved ones, to experiencing living with no sin and no temptation to sin. Everything about Heaven will be perfect. Are you ready? If not, now is the time to make sure. I can’t express how important it is that you make sure now. No man knows when Jesus will return, but he is coming!
Revelation 22:20 “He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”
