Emily Wickham

Three Reasons Christians Should Look for Christ’s Return

Many Christians are looking for Christ’s Return, but many others aren’t. And I must admit—for most of my life, I haven’t really been looking, either. But over recent years, my interest in Bible prophecy  has soared. I can’t seem to get enough of learning about this topic.

In an effort to encourage all of us, I’d like to share three primary reasons every Christian should look for Christ’s return:

It’s Biblical.

According to David R. Reagan, “prophecy constitutes almost one-third of the Bible,”  which indicates its importance. Even so, it often feels like an unwelcome topic in today’s Christian circles because of the numerous opinions and beliefs surrounding it. And yet we’re left with this fact: since God’s Word repeatedly references Christ’s return, shouldn’t we take note?

12 [a]instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of [b]our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, (Titus 2:12-13, NASB).

This passage reveals God’s call on each Christian to a certain way of life as well as a certain focus in life. We’re to deny ungodliness and worldly desires while living sensibly, righteously and godly. By looking for Christ’s return, we gain strength to live God’s way. Life’s priorities become clearer when we understand Jesus could return at any moment.

It Gives Hope.

Everyone could use some hope right now.  People all over the world are reeling from the coronavirus and its effects. Many grieve the loss of loved ones due to this awful illness, and countless others deal with enormous difficulties because of nation-wide shutdowns.  Scripture reminds us our hope rests in a Person, the Lord Jesus Christ.

20 For our [a]citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; 21 who will transform [b]the body of our humble state into conformity with [c]the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself” (Philippians 3:20-21).

By looking for Christ’s return,  we gain hope in a bleak time. We realize more intensely that our home isn’t here. We’re citizens of heaven, and we’re waiting for our Lord and Savior to take us home to be with Him forever.

It Affects Our Actions.

As mentioned above, looking for Christ’s return clarifies life’s priorities. Important matters such as loving like Jesus, sharing the Gospel, and discipling others rise to the top. Earthly concerns fade. Focusing on the imminency of our Lord’s coming changes the way we live today.

15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive [a]and remain until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a [b]shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive [c]and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:15-18).

Recognizing the truth of Christ’s return plus reminding our brothers and sisters that He is coming  brings comfort. We aren’t stranded in this evil world. God maintains an acute awareness of everything occurring everywhere. And He has a magnificent plan! At exactly the right moment, our Heavenly Father will instruct His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to return for His bride. Then we’ll meet our precious, glorious Lord in the air and forever be with Him.

God’s timing is perfect. He’s putting all the pieces in place for Christ’s return. Let’s “wait for His Son from [a]heaven, whom He raised from the dead, that is Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath to come” (1 Thessalonians 1:10).

In Christ’s Love,

Another post on this topic: When Jesus Returns

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2 thoughts on “Three Reasons Christians Should Look for Christ’s Return”

  1. Well said Ms. Emily. We can’t know when, but we certainly know to look for the signs ma’am. From my perspective, there is nothing more that prophetically needs to occur before the rapture of His church. Perhaps now, more than ever, we need to reach all the world with His gospel message. My heart breaks at the thought of leaving loved one and friends behind when that day comes. My fear is not that I will live eternity without them, but that I will have to face my Savior and be judged for not making the effort needed to lead them to Christ. When we realize that, it becomes easier to become bolder in our witness doesn’t it ma’am? God’s blessings.

    Reply

    1. Dear J.D.,

      Thank you for your thoughtful and thought-provoking comment. I agree with you that nothing else prophetically remains to be fulfilled until the Lord comes back for His bride, the church. What an exciting day that will be. And amen to sharing the Gospel as much as we can until the Lord’s return. Similar to you, I sometimes think about the gravity of facing the Lord alongside someone I failed to share Christ with while on earth. Boldness is what I need. Thank you for the encouragement!

      In Christ’s Love,
      Emily

      Reply

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