2 Peter 3:10-13 “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.”
The “Good News” of the gospel is through repenting of sin and by faith accepting and receiving Jesus Christ as savior and Lord, our sins are forgiven and we are saved. Saved from what? Saved from God’s just and holy wrath against sin. John 3:35-36 tells us, “The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into His hand. He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” 1 Thessalonians 5:4-9 declares, “But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day (the day of the Lord) should overtake you as a thief. You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
The day of the Lord, the Rapture of the Church (the body of true Believers in Christ worldwide), the End Times and the Tribulation are imminent future event in world history. With the advancement of sin and unbelief, coupled with the recent advancement of darkness and unbelief, coupled with rampant immorality and perversion of decency, one may be saying: “Lord, come quickly. But, in light of these days and while the Lord tarries, “what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness.” In our current Bible Study, Dr. David Jeremiah lays out four words for practices which the children of light need to be exercising daily in anticipation. Live in “Consolation” is the first practice. We are to comfort one another until Jesus returns. Live in “Expectation” is the second practice. Live every day in anticipation of the Great Day of the Lord’s return.
Live in “Consecration” is the third practice to put into place, committing ourselves fully to God – our Refuge and our strength. Be obedient to the Word of God.and purpose in your hearts to faithfully serve the Lord and to pursue sanctification by being transformed into the likeness of Christ. Live in examination is the fourth practice. The Lord could come at any moment, so we need to stay ready. Have we committed ourselves to Jesus Christ and submitted ourselves to Him as Savior and Lord?
The imminent Rapture of the Church at any moment challenges us to live every day with eternity in view and make every moment here and now. Are you ready?
In Christ, Brian
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