Both Redeemed in Christ — Yet Two Different Last Days Perspectives on His Appearing
The Watchful Believer — Living in the Light of His Coming (1 Thessalonians 5:1–8; Titus 2:13). This believer, agape loves the Lord Jesus Christ, abides in His Word, agape loves the whole counsel of God, and faithfully serves Him while eagerly anticipating Jesus' glorious appearing for His bride (1 John 3:1-3). This one personally understands and comprehends the Last Days times and seasons through the prophetic Scriptures, recognizing the EXPONENTIAL global increase of darkness, deception, lawlessness, and spiritual blindness of a fallen world. Yet his hope is not in political solutions or the signs of the times themselves, but in the ETERNAL promises and ETERNAL future found in his precious Savior! He knows that this world is not his home and that his citizenship is in heaven as he walks his last days' pilgrimage journey, looking for His Lord's trump to sound (Philippians 3:20–21). He watches hourly and daily, prays, evangelizes, and serves with ETERNITY in view, knowing that his labor and ETERNAL calling in the Lord is never in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58). He does not claim to know the day or hour of the trumpet sound, but lives in full joyful expectation of Christ's return and tells others of it (1 John 3:1-4). He finally sees the present world through the lens of Almighty God's ETERNAL Word, and his blessed hope motivates him to live for God's ETERNAL glory in his pilgrim Last Days journey! (1 John 3:2–3).
"Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." 2 Tim. 4:8
The Unwatchful Believer — Faithfully Serving, Yet Clouded by This Present World (Luke 21:34–36; 1 Corinthians 3:11–15). This believer also belongs ETERNALLY to Jesus Christ, phileo/ agape loves the Lord, and may faithfully serve in his church, family, and community. Yet unlike the watchful believer, this one's spiritual vision concerning the last days has become clouded by the cares, responsibilities, traditions, and attractions of this present world. He may know the gospel of salvation while giving little attention to Almighty God's prophetic Word, Israel's promises and future, the coming Day of the Lord, or the blessed hope of the Church. He lives as though tomorrow will simply continue like yesterday, seldom considering that Christ could come for His Church at any moment in light of the growing EXPONENTIAL signs at hand. Though ETERNALLY secure in Christ (John 10:28–29), he risks losing the joy, urgency, and ETERNAL perspective that accompany watchfulness. At Christ's judgment seat, the quality of every believer's service will be examined (2 Corinthians 5:10). What a solemn thought: Two believers, both ETERNALLY redeemed by the same Savior, yet one eagerly looking for His appearing while the other is so occupied with this passing world that he scarcely thinks of it! Beloved, may we faithfully serve our Lord while eagerly awaiting Him, remembering His promise: “Surely I am coming soon” (Revelation 22:20, ESV).
The heart of the lesson: We are not watching to become saved, nor are we watching to remain saved. We are watching because we are saved, because we love our Savior, and because He is coming for us! (John 14:1–3; 1 Thessalonians 4:16–18).
Beloved, which one are you? In such days, are you looking to be with Jesus and His appearing, or are you not really looking for Him based on your earthly, temporal plans?
The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand! Maranatha!
David
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