Why Jesus is Coming Again
Pelham Discipleship & Groups; Central Care & Recovery
As believers, we make much of Christ’s first Advent in the celebration of Christmas. But his second Advent—his future return to unite Heaven and Earth and to destroy evil and death forever—should have daily implications for the way we live. Our expectation of his coming should spur us to hope, purity, and intimacy with God so we will be ready for his arrival.
Study Questions
Application
Since the way we relate to God now will be magnified when Christ returns, will your response at that time be marked by courage and joy or fear and shame? What might you need to confess or remove from your life to have deeper fellowship with God?
It is often easy to tell who a parent’s children are by resemblance. Similarly, God’s children should resemble him in the way they live (1 John 2:29). When people look at your life, what evidence is there that you are part of God’s family?
Key Points
Intimacy now with God determines our confidence at his return.
In his first Advent, Jesus came humbly and meekly, to sacrifice his life for his people and cover their sin. At his second Advent, he will come with glory and power, to destroy his enemies and satisfy the longing of his people.
We were created to be like God, but because our reflection of God was distorted by sin, he became like us in Christ to make a way for us to be like him once again.
For believers, purity is ultimately a gift from God, but the New Testament also directs us to continually purify ourselves—by confessing, addressing, and putting off sin—to be ready for Christ’s return.