Monday: Finally, Face-to-Face
Daily Lesson for Monday 22nd of June 2026
We were made to be close to God (Genesis 2:7). Ever since He created humanity, God has given everything to restore our broken relationship with Him (John 3:16). He has placed eternity in our hearts, yet human beings cannot fathom what God has done from the beginning to the end (Ecclesiastes 3:11). We’re part of the great controversy raging around us—even in us—yet, too often, we don’t pause long enough to consider the great cost of what has been given in order for us to be restored to the relationship God intends for us to have with Him. Too often, we find ourselves wrapped up in our earthly battles and trials, forgetting that “our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body” (Philippians 3:20-21, NKJV).
Image © Review & Herald Publishing at Goodsalt.com
As the world plummets closer to the end, we know that a small black cloud will one day appear in the eastern sky. As it comes closer and closer, we’ll see that on that cloud sits “One like the Son of Man, having on His head a golden crown, and in His hand a sharp sickle” (Revelation 14:14, NKJV). Jesus will be accompanied by thousands upon thousands of angels (Matthew 25:31), and every eye will see Him (Revelation 1:7). As He descends, we’ll hear His shout, a trumpet call of God, and the tombs of those who fell asleep in Christ will open as they rise first (1 Thessalonians 4:16). They will know the voice of the One who calls them (John 5:28).
What will happen next? Read 1 Thessalonians 4:17. Ultimately, what Paul writes about in Philippians 2:10-11 will echo throughout the universe.
What an utterly incredible, magnificent thought! One day we will see Jesus—really, truly see Him. We will hear His voice, and we will confess that He is Lord. The One whom we’ve read about, prayed to, spoken of with others; the One whom our hearts have longed for . . . we will actually see Him face-to-face. We can be certain and sure of this, for God is faithful, and His promises are true (Revelation 22:6).
In that moment, when the trumpets sound and every human eye sees Jesus, we’ll know that it’s been worth the wait. Every persevering prayer, every moment we’ve prioritized time with Him, every time we’ve spoken boldly for Him, every trial—will be culminated in seeing His face (Revelation 22:4).
The human mind was irreparably damaged by sin, so much so that we cannot completely grasp what the Bible says about eternity. Human perception cannot capture the true meaning of seeing Jesus face-to-face. “That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9, NLT). It is true that at creation, God placed eternity in our hearts, but unfortunately, that inclination was greatly diminished by sin. That is why we desire sin more than eternity. Jesus came to reverse the affinity for sin by empowering us through the power of His blood, so that we may become overcomers.
Now we have the means to see Jesus face-to-face. The choice is ours. “And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony. And they did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die.” (Revelation 12:11). To see Jesus face-to-face, we must have Him in our hearts first. Without Jesus in our hearts, there is no eternity for us. “Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have God’s Son does not have life.” (1 John 5:12, NLT).
What this quarter’s lesson study has been teaching us is how to grow in our relationship with the Son of God, in whom we have eternity. Now we have been persuaded to believe and accept the Son of God to have a right to be called Children of God (John 1:12). The case for Jesus has been made clear to us; now our role is to allow the Holy Spirit to transform us into the likeness of Jesus so that we can see Him face-to-face whenever He comes back to this world again.
“And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.” (Colossians 2:6-7, NLT).
Many people believe that Christianity is merely a political viewpoint or an alternative lifestyle. In John 1:5–46. it is clear that while there are numerous philosophies that seek to make the world a better place—perhaps through education, political lobbying, wealth creation, and other means—none of these viewpoints have come close to addressing what the human heart needs most: being face to face with Christ. With many problems in the Middle East, swings in the stock market that leave us feeling insecure, trends among young people drifting toward increased drug and alcohol addiction, the increasing breakdown of family structures, and growing mistrust of both state and church, we must look forward to the day of His coming, when we shall see Him face to face and all things will be made new. As Scripture reminds us, “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2). Likewise, “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face” (1 Corinthians 13:12). Until that day, our greatest need is not a new philosophy, political solution, or social program, but a living face to face encounter with Jesus Christ and the hope of His glorious return.
Maybe you can’t see how you can measure up to being allowed to see Christ face to face. Understand the words of Christ, “I am the way.” I understand those words to mean, I can be accepted while He is making me acceptable, I can be perfect while He is perfecting me, I can be justified while He is sanctifying me, I can be ready while He is getting me ready, I can be complete while He is completing His work in me, I can be saved while He is saving me. Okay believe me that is what it is to follow Christ, be shone up upon by Him and see Him face to face. I hope you get the picture. You can in your mind. Then on someday soon the veil will be taken away and we shall see Him face to face physically, in fact initially all of us at the same time. Revelation 1:7.
If the Bible is clear that all eyes will see him, then what is the relevance of secret rapture?
There is no Biblical evidence that shows that there will be a secret rapture. The Bible clearly says that every eye shall see Him. Whether it is the first resurrection, second resurrection or found righteous living. Every eye shall see Him.
I am not aware that the Bible speaks of a secret rapture
Kynsai – Yes, the Bible is clear about the very public event of Jesus Chrsit’s return – Matt.24:27.
I searched for an answer regarding your question about the ‘secret rapture’ and found the following explanation at “Got Questions”:
The secret rapture — usually just called the ‘rapture of the church’ — is the idea that Christ will come to take believers out of the world before His return with them at the second coming. The secret rapture is “secret” in that no one will see Jesus coming except believers; this is in contrast to the second coming of Christ after the tribulation, when “every eye will see him” (Revelation 1:7).
There is considerable disagreement among Christians regarding the timing of the secret rapture. Some believe in the pre-tribulation rapture, which occurs before the beginning of the seven-year tribulation. Others hold to a mid-tribulation rapture, and still others to a post-tribulation timing.
Seventh-day Adventists do not believe in a secret, pre-tribulation rapture. Instead, they view the rapture and the Second Coming as a single, literal, and globally visible event.[Google AI overview] Hope this will help – God’s blessings to you and yours!
I am fascinated by the fact that one day through God’s grace I will see Jesus face to face. I am also fascinated by the fact that eternal life is not just a future destination after death, but a spiritual reality that begins here and now. The moment a person enters into a personal , committed, trusting relationship with God through Jesus Christ, the reality of eternal life begins.(John 5:24, 17:3)
Eternal life is not only length of life, but also quality of life. John 17:3, defines eternal life as an active experiential relationship with God. The Apostle Paul writing to the Galatians describes the distinctive and unique qualities of eternal life – the complimentary term that Paul utilizes is “the Fruit of the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:22-23)
This distinctive life style can to some extent be captured in the term ” that Heaven begins here and now.” It gives credibility to Paul’s exhortation to the believers in Philippi -” Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.” Philippians 4:4. It means that while we await the return of Jesus we are living joyful, productive lives in the Master’s Service ; and by the way, what a powerful witness such a lifestyle presents to a watching world.
To see Jesus face to face means far more than simply seeing Him with our physical eyes. Today we know Him through prayer, His Word, and the Holy Spirit. Our relationship with Him is real, but it is by faith, not by sight (1 Peter 1:8).
It is like two people who are dating or courting long distance. They may spend hours talking, writing, and getting to know one another, and their relationship can be genuine. But nothing compares to finally meeting in person. Being in each other’s presence deepens the relationship in a way that phone calls and letters never could.
Likewise, when Christ returns, faith will give way to sight. “Now we see through a glass, dimly; but then face to face” (1 Corinthians 13:12). We will behold our Savior, speak with Him directly, and enjoy unbroken fellowship in His presence. As Revelation 22:4 promises, “They shall see His face.”
What a glorious hope! Today we walk with Christ by faith; soon, by God’s grace, we will walk with Him face to face.
This lesson is all about focus. What is the focus around which a Christian life is lived?
Abraham set the example in focusing not on present circumstances, but on the heavenly Jerusalem. Heb. 11:8-10.
IOW, he truly lived his life as a citizen of heaven, knowing he was but a stranger on earth.
Where is our focus? Do we daily order our lives in light of the Jesus coming back to this earth very soon?
Are we focusing on fulfilling the commission He gave us – to share the Good News about who He is, what He is like, and that He will soon come back to “rapture” those who are waiting for Him? (The word “rapture” is not found in the Bible, but it is based on a Greek word meaning to “snatch away,” and that’s exactly what Jesus will do at His Second Coming. He will snatch away His followers from the dominion of Satan.)
The Bible shows how crucial it is to know every word written in it’s self by seeing the passage * white cloud”
is written as black cloud.
Christian – yes, the color of the cloud which surrounds Jesus at His return is white – purity and divine triumph! Rev.14:14; Matt.24:27.
Yes, Rev. 14:4 mentions that Christ will come on a white cloud.
Why is the color of the cloud important? Would it make it difference if the cloud were the color of pink or blue sapphire? Or bright amber? (Compare Exodus 24:10, Ezekiel 1: 22, 26-27)
As a matter of fact, the same cloud can appear quite different from different angles or perspectives or the time of day.
A cloud that appears white from one perspective may be very dark from another perspective. A cloud can change color from the same perspective, as time passes. A small dark cloud on the distant horizon may develop into a huge white cloud.
Can you share why you made the comment on the color of the cloud? (I can guess, but my guess may be wrong.)
Whether we are allowing the Holy Spirit to prepare us to meet Jesus when He come may be more important than the color of the cloud under and around Him. 😉
I personally believe we put too much emphasis on the little things. Now, in this earthly life, I believe it’s the little moments that count like walking with a child or just sitting in nature, when all the world seems so busy and like a rat race. God does not want us to make His Gospel so complicated that we miss what matters most….live for Him, focus on Him, love Him, love others. Does the color of the cloud really matter? I don’t know, but I certainly cannot worry about it.
John 4:24
”God is Spirit, and His worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in Truth.”
2 Cor.3:17
”Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
1 Cor.15:45
”The first man Adam became a living being; the last Adam, a life-giving Spirit.”
God the Father and Christ the Son are one in Spirit, and we are one with them in Christ. Do we cheat ourselves out of a spiritual ‘face to face’ relationship with the Son of God here and now because our focus is on the time when we see Him ‘face to face’ when He returns?
1 Cor.15:42-44
”So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body.”
We will be judged according to the Spirit within. Are we one with the Spirit of the Father and the Son now? Then we are one with them in heaven. It is by the Father’s Spirit that we can see His Son ‘face to face’. Our spiritual eyes can see Him now. Our physical eyes can only behold the form at His return, but the Spirit of God within us beholds His Essence now as it will be at the end of this present age – Matt.28:20.
When all things seem to go right, I may forget about the One Who gives me life. Difficulties may keep me closer to Him. Thus, I truly have to be grateful for everything.
It is my prayer that God’s children will long to have that face to face encounter with Him. Amen!