As Time Approaches

As with any baby he came with cries and tiny wrinkles. He entered this sinful world wrapped in cloth, and took his first nap on straw in a stable. Subject to time and his parents, he grew to manhood in Rome-occupied Palestine. Working in Joseph’s woodworking shop his hands became skilled, calloused and strong. Later, he walked and traveled through the countryside and city, teaching, touching lives, preaching to crowds, and training 12 special men to carry on his work. At every turn he was hounded by many who would seek to rid the world of his influence and message. After many messages and miracles he was finally accused and tried unjustly and condemned to a disgraceful, unmerciful, painful, execution by foreign hands. Ridiculed, spat upon, cursed, beaten to the bone, pierced by nails, and hung heavenward for all to deride. Jesus, the God-man, gave his life all completely so that all might live. We all need to know Him as time approaches.

When God decides at His appointed time, the risen and ascended Lord Jesus will burst onto the world scene. Everyone will know that Jesus is Lord of the universe! We who love him will rejoice and bow down greeting our Savior with hearts overflowing into songs of praise. However, his enemies will be wrought and filled with fear. Satan and his followers, and enemies of Christ will gather their legions against Christ and his armies. But who can withstand God’s wrath? No one, nothing! “Christ” will win the battle and reign victorious forever! Jesus, our humbling long-suffering Servant, is also the powerful, conquering King and Judge. Are you ready for judgment—to see the King, as time approaches?

Be forewarned! He is coming. Revelation a book of hope, written by the apostle John, an eyewitness to Jesus, proclaimed that the victorious Lord would surely return to vindicate the righteous and judge the wicked. But Revelation is also a book of warning. Things were not as they should have been in the churches, so Christ called the members to commit themselves to live in righteousness. Although Jesus gave this revelation to John over 2,000 years ago, it still stands as a comfort to God’s people today. We can all take heart as we understand John’s vision of hope—Jesus will return and settle accounts with all who defy him as time approaches.

Do you see that revelation is the final concluding book of the Scriptures? Please read these “biblical scriptures”. It will unfold all the great events that will bring history to consummation. This includes the revelation of Jesus Christ at His second advent. Revelation will show Christ revealed in full Glory, in contrast to the four Gospels, where He was presented in simple humility. Do you see Christ presented as the Ruler of the kings of the earth, the Bridegroom and Head of the Church, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, The Lamb that was slain, the High Priest, the King and Judge? Do you see that starting in Revelation chapter 4, the book presents future events? When you read Revelation, remember these two verses: ”It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent to heaven. Even angels long to look into these things”. 1 Peter 1:12 “And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as a light shinning in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origins in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit”. 2 Peter 1:19-21