IS CHRIST'S COMING IMMINENT?

As we journey in Revelation 22 the Lord clearly tells us He will come “soon,” “quickly,” and the “time is near.”  The first century church was expecting Him to return then but He didn’t.  Were they wrong or did Christ mean something else?

The word “quickly” in the original also carries the idea of “suddenly.” Christ’s return in some way will be sudden, quick and unexpected. We should be ready and waiting as if He could come any time. The idea of these events happening “soon” or “near” would carry a similar idea.  This means His coming could be imminent or at any moment. Jesus told us no one will know exactly when (Mar. 13:32-33). The epistles also speak of this (cf. Rom. 8:19-25; 1 Cor. 1:7; Phil. 4:5; Jude 21).

However, a plain reading of Revelation makes it clear that a series of three major events or judgements (Rev. 6-18) must take place before Christ second coming in power and glory to the earth to reign (Rev. 19). Therefore, that particular coming cannot be said to be imminent.

However, the letters written to the churches (I Cor. 15:51ff and I Thes. 4:13-18) do speak about the Lord’s coming quickly “in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye” in the clouds. Believers are resurrected and living ones are all taken up to heaven. There are no events that led up to this. All prophecy to this point is already fulfilled. This could be seen as imminent and is commonly referred to as the Rapture. So, it appears the references to a sudden and quick return refer to this.

The exact time that this imminent coming occurs is debated.  However, in order to be truly imminent, it would need to be before any clearly prophesied event that happens during the Tribulation.

The implication of imminence is that we should be ready for Him to return at any moment. This is illustrated clearly in the story of the ten virgins that in Mat. 25:1-13. Are you living with that expectation?   "Be on the alert then, for you do not know the day nor the hour.” (Mat. 25:13)?   

-Pastor Mark

P.S. "Thank you DBC family for the many expressions of love and support you have shown to us--meals for our family, helping with Joanne's memorial service details (program, sound booth, pictures, music, etc.), providing food for the reception, and serving in many other seen and unseen capacities."  The Family of Joanne Richter

A RIVER FROM THE THRONE

One significant feature of the heavenly New Jerusalem is a river coming from within. Revelation 22 says John saw “a river of the water of life, clear as crystal, coming from the throne of God and of the Lamb.”  What is this about?  First realize Genesis and Revelation are like bookends to the Bible. What Genesis begins Revelation completes. Genesis began with a perfect earth. Then sin corrupted it. The rest of the Bible is the story of redemption through Christ. Finally, in Revelation you have paradise completely restored in the New Jerusalem.

Specifically, we have a river in the Garden of Eden in Genesis 2:10. It appears again in the New Jerusalem in Revelation 22:11. It originates from the throne of “God and the Lamb” symbolizing the unity of both Christ and God on one throne. It also pictures a perfect and inexhaustible source that does not end. It is “clear as crystal” indicating absolute purity without any pollution from sin.

Christ used water to speak of spiritual truth in which man finds complete satisfaction and never thirsts again for the things of this world.

Jesus once asked a Samaritan woman for a drink. Because Samaritans were looked down upon by Jews she couldn’t understand why He would ask her for a drink. “Jesus answered and said to her, "Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again; but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life." (Jn. 4:13).

Jesus used this play on words to speak of spiritual water or truth that quenches our thirst and gives eternal life. This comes from faith alone in Christ who is our savior from sin. Have you tasted of this satisfying water in your life?

-Pastor Mark

P.S. Joanne Richter’s memorial is Saturday Feb. 4th at 2PM at Discovery.  Her obituary can be viewed at obits.dignitymemorial.com.  She is now enjoying the wonder of Heaven in the presence of her Savior who gave her of the water of life.

TREASURE IN A GOLDEN CITY

J. I. Packer says in his book Hot Tub Religion "...we have recast Christianity into a mold that stresses happiness above holiness, blessings here above blessedness hereafter, health and wealth as God's best gifts..." The problem with riches is that we have a cheap view of them. We tend to think if we win the lottery our troubles are over, he who dies with the most toys wins and our greatest need is a big treasure chest for our security and comfort.

The Trump Tower I hear is a nice place. Pictures of the interior show elaborate design with extravagant gold decorations. But, I compared the dimensions to the New Jerusalem and if the two were side by side you almost could not see Trumps place. It would be the Tiny Tower.

Trump Tower New York

When you look at the glory of the New Jerusalem, which I like to call the Golden City, it is priceless because it represents the glory and value of heaven. It is where all true believers will one day go and be in the presence of Christ as we saw last week (Rev. 21:9-27).  What could be of more value to invest in?

Jesus said, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Mat. 6:19-21).  

Christ spoke often about laying up treasures. But God does not need our money because He owns it all anyway. All we have is His. The reason we have been given anything is to use it for His glory. Jokes abound about the more you give the larger your mansion will be there. But that is self-serving and narcissistic. Actually, we will all be on the same street there. The only difference will be what we did that truly glorified Christ. Was it given or done in a spirit of worship and for His glory.  Was it sacrificial or just a token. Remember all believers will be in the Golden City soon to meet our King. Are you ready?

-Pastor Mark