In James chapter 5 verse 8 we read; “Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh”. The New King James reads, “You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.”
I was eating lunch with a friend who has young daughters as I do. He was thinking about the ordeal he goes through with his daughters dating. He also reminded me that it will not be long before my daughters will start to date. He also reminded me that I have three to deal with. I told him it was my hope that the Lord will return before that time. Now, you all have heard me say this several times but for him, it was his first time. He grew quiet and had a somber response. He said that he had never heard anyone who would hope that Christ would return before any event prior to death. He went on to say that it should make you feel like you better be ready!
As Christians we know for certain the Lord will come again (John 14:1-3). As believers, the fact of His coming is certain, but the time when He will return is known only to God (Mark 13:32).
Brother Nichols stated in a lecture he gave in Fort Worth that several “comings” are mentioned in the scriptures:
1. His first coming from heaven through the virgin birth (Gen. 3:15 & John 6:38)
2. His coming to be baptized by John (Acts 13:34).
3. His coming from the dead (Matt. 28:16-18).
4. His coming unto the apostles (John 14:18 and fulfilled in Acts 2).
5. His coming to Saul of Tarsus (Acts 22:15).
6. His coming to the apostle John on Patmos (Rev. 1:12-18).
However, Brother Nichols goes on to say that there is one other coming of Christ which is yet to happen. It will be personal (Acts 1:9-11), with the clouds and will be visible (Rev. 1:7). At His coming the dead shall be raised (I Thess. 4:16), and judgment will be held on that same “last day” (John 12:47-48). My friend’s response hit the mark when he said “be ready.”
For the elders, Tony Williams