A Lamp Shining in a Dark Place?
As you are about to hear in this PODCAST, it is one of the most, if not THE-most-blessed, doctrines in all of the Bible.
So naturally, theologians have to come along and muddy it all up to the point where today it is MUBAR—Messed Up Beyond All Recognition.
I’m talking about the blessed doctrine of—fancy name—imminence. As in the imminent return of Jesus. As in the clear and (as you will hear in mere moments) unambiguous Bible teaching that Jesus could return at any time. As in the glorious truth that nothing needs to happen to precede Jesus’ return.
The “blessed hope” for which we do hope, every single day.
These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. (1 Peter 1:7)
I simply cannot wait for that day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world!
But, when will that be?
According to Paul’s letter to Titus:
And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, 13 while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. (Titus 2:12-13)
To me, it sounds like, according to Paul, Jesus’ return can and may happen at any time…. Imminently!
Switching from Paul back to Peter, as I read his writings, it appears to me that Peter was obsessed with Jesus’ imminent return.
So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. (1 Peter 1:13)
The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. (1 Peter 4:7)
Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. 13 Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world. (1 Peter 4:12-13)
I, too, will share in his glory when he is revealed to the whole world. (1 Peter 5:2)
Now, in Peter’s second letter, you will hear a subtle change in his tone. When Peter wrote this letter, he knew that his death was rapidly approaching. In his writing, you will hear him explain why Jesus hadn’t returned yet. And, these words seem to be written with a tinge of disappointment.
For our Lord Jesus Christ has shown me that I must soon leave this earthly life, 15 so I will work hard to make sure you always remember these things after I am gone. (2 Peter 14-15)
The voice from the majestic glory of God said to him [Jesus], “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.” 18 We ourselves heard that voice from heaven when we were with him on the holy mountain.
19 Because of that experience, we have even greater confidence in the message proclaimed by the prophets. You must pay close attention to what they wrote, for their words are like a lamp shining in a dark place—until the Day dawns, and Christ the Morning Star shines in your hearts. (2 Peter 1:17-19)
In other words, I remember being there with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration and hearing the voice from heaven speak. Everything that has ever been prophesied about Jesus – including His glorious return is going to happen. I may not be alive here on earth to see it… but you might be! Because God always fulfills His promises!!
So you see, the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials, even while keeping the wicked under punishment until the day of final judgment. (2 Peter 2:9)
Its coming! The day of final judgment is coming and God’s people will be rescued!
Most importantly, I want to remind you that in the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires. 4 They will say, “What happened to the promise that Jesus is coming again? From before the times of our ancestors, everything has remained the same since the world was first created.” (2 Peter 3:3-4)
8 But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. 9 The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.10 But the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief. ( 2 Peter 3:8-10)
But, why are we spending so much time reading Peter’s words, when we can see what Jesus, Himself had to say about His own imminent return:
Jesus said to his disciples, “Don’t be worried! Have faith in God and have faith in me. 2 There are many rooms in my Father’s house. I wouldn’t tell you this, unless it was true. I am going there to prepare a place for each of you. 3 After I have done this, I will come back and take you with me. Then we will be together. (John 14:1-3)
I so eagerly look forward to the glorious day when Jesus will appear to the world. Jesus promised it. Paul eagerly looked forward to it. Peter eagerly looked forward to it.
Do you?
