Tuesday: The Second Coming of Christ
Study Acts 3:19-21.
Image © Lars Justinen from GoodSalt.com
How does the blotting out of sins that is mentioned here relate to the cleansing of the sanctuary that we studied yesterday?
While Peter may not have known the “times or seasons” (Acts 1:7), his reference to Joel’s prophecy in Acts 2:14-21 points to his appreciation of the fulfillment of prophecy in his time. In his prophetic frame of mind it seems evident that “Peter, speaking by inspiration, and thus beyond his own finite understanding, is referring, tersely, to two great events of earth’s last days – (1) the mighty outpouring of God’s Spirit, and (2) the final blotting out of the sins of the righteous – which are tied to a third climactic event, the second advent of Christ.” – The SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 6, p. 160.
The early church was certain of both the second coming of Christ and the promise of a new heaven and earth (2 Pet. 3:13). Christ’s first coming provided a theological rationale for the second. As far as we are concerned, without the second coming the first coming would have been futile. The process of dealing with the sin problem, a process that He began with His sacrifice on the cross, reaches its consummation when, after the “cleansing of the sanctuary”, He appears the “second time . . .for salvation” (Heb. 9:26, 28, NKJV). In fact, without the second coming, and the resurrection it brings, what would the promise of salvation mean to us? (See 1 Thess. 4:16-18.) Nothing!
The second coming of Christ will mark the conclusion of the great controversy as far as the destiny of mortals is concerned. Satan, knowing that the end of the controversy is in sight, seeks through deception to lead as many astray as possible. We are told that, “as the second appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ draws near, satanic agencies are moved from beneath. Satan will not only appear as a human being, but he will personate Jesus Christ, and the world that has rejected the truth will receive him as the Lord of lords and King of kings.” – Ellen G. White, Last Day Events, pp. 168, 169. Against this deception we have been warned that Christ’s coming will be a literal, personal, and visible event that will impact the entire world, ending it as we know it – a place of sin, suffering, misery, disappointment, and death.
Look at our world. How well have we, as humans, done in making it a better place? While we must try to improve the lot of those less fortunate than we are, and of those who are suffering and in need – why must we always keep before us that which is the only solution?
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Second coming is real, tangible, visible, and universal. All eyes will behold (Rev. 1.7) unlike the opposing doctrine heralded by the Pentecostal (churches) movement on the topic of secret rapture which is not biblical. The bible is very definitive on second coming. One does not need to go to theological college to know this. But the power of the arch deceiver can never be underestimated. He (Satan) is the one responsible for all the confusion in the Christendom, distorting truth with error, advocating counterfeit with truth, and impersonation in the worst case scenario is the last thing to be seen.
We need to anchor firmly on Jesus for God’s people are bound to experience or go through trying and testing times that will unfold at unprecedented level. Devil will disguise as an angel of light according to the written record of the good book (2 Corinth. 11: 12-15). Unless we are prepared, we can be caught of guard.
Its pitty to see many christians today ceasing to forcus much on there life with God.. Instead of mending the gap with the father above to have mercy from him many are busy seeking miracles. The issue of miracles has nopw been a need to many christians even in the Adventist church. Let us look back and concentrate much on our life with God towars salvation. For what shall a man benefit if he has wealth and loses his life? Let us forcus back to our christianity
life would have had no meaning had it not been for the divine promise of peaciful,and trouble free eternal life,jesus made to us by asuaring us of his second advent.i just cn't wait.
Events happening all around us point to this great day of the Lord. It is for those of us who have read and believe to prepare ourselves and most importantly our household for His coming.
Before Christ can return for his children, it is necessary for the record of their sins to be blotted out. This is what Chirst is currently doing in the most holy place in heaven and this is a prelude to his Second Coming. As christians we should be very focused and aware of what is happening and submit ourselves to God, praying for the baptism of the holy spirit so that when the refreshing from the presence of the Lord occurs we will be recepient and thus be ready and prepared for His second coming.
Really only Jesus could saved everyone in that controversy of that world.