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A Baptist preacher once asked me "how I viewed the Apocalypse (the book of Revelation)." I replied that the book's meaning and message is found in its historical setting as it yields eternal principles of truth (Rev. 1:1-3). Although he understood what I said, it was obvious he did not agree that the Revelation should be interpreted from an historical perspective. His next question was, "You are looking for the coming of Christ, aren't you?" I said "yes, but not in the way the premillennial speculators do." Little progress was made to change his view of the Apocalypse and the return of Christ.

     There are and have been many predictions of the Lord's return. Everyone has failed. This should give pause to the speculators who diligently comb through Biblical prophecies hoping to pin down with certainty the time of Christ's return. We need not be alarmed or deceived by such false prophets (2 Ths. 2:1-5).

     There are others who cast disdain upon the very thought that Jesus Christ shall one day return in glory to judge the world. The apostle Peter rightly noted that these skeptics are "walking according to their own lusts"  as they deny the evidence supporting His return (2 Pet. 3:3). Peter observed two approaches used by unbelievers to persuade themselves and others not to believe in the return of Christ. First, there is the time argument: "Where is the promise of his coming?" Secondly, there is the continuity argument: "all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation" (2 Pet. 3:4). Peter answered the continuity argument first in 2 Peter 3:5-7, then addressed the time argument in 2 Peter 3:8-9. Briefly stated, the view that Christ will not come back because "all things are continuing as they always have" fails to acknowledge the historical fact of the worldwide flood. Things have not always been as they are now (read Gen. 7:21-23). Like then, God's word will initiate His day of judgment at Christ's return.

     As to the time of His coming, Peter reminds the skeptic that God is not limited by time as we are: "But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day" (2 Pet. 3:8). God inhabits eternity (Psa. 90:2, 4). We must view the fact that Christ has not yet returned as evidence of God's longsuffering toward sinful men and women, not as evidence of God's failure to keep His word (2 Pet. 3:9, 15). God is not "slack" in His promise; He does not delay in discharging His purposes. Rather, He gives us time to repent. A day of judgment is prepared and God will keep His promise to send Jesus to judge the world (Acts 17:31).

     When Jesus Christ returns He will not come to the earth to establish a kingdom and to sit on a throne in Jerusalem. The apostle Peter describes the nature of Christ's return in 2 Peter 3:10-13 as he speaks of "the day of the Lord" (which signifies divine judgment, Zeph. 1:14-18. This phrase is interchangeable with "the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ," 2 Ths. 2:1-2). The events of Christ's return include the following:

     1) The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night (2 Pet. 3:10). A thief comes suddenly and unexpectedly (without warning, 1 Ths. 5:2-3, Matt. 24:40-41; 1 Ths. 5:4-6). Please take note of the emphatic nature of that day's appearing: it "will come."

     2) This universe will be destroyed (2 Pet. 3:10). Oh what power to be exerted on that great day! Inasmuch as "both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up", one cannot rightly conclude that Jesus is coming to the earth to establish a kingdom lasting 1000 years.

     3) The new heavens and a new earth (2 Pet. 3:13). This stands in contrast to the heavens and earth that will "melt" and be "dissolved" with fervent heat (2 Pet. 3:10, 12). The word Peter uses for "new" speaks of newness in reference to quality, that which is fresh and unworn. Since this present heaven and earth will be completely consumed, he can only be describing the sphere of abode for the righteous -- the eternal abiding place of heaven. As Paul taught, we shall "...meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord" (1 Ths. 4:17).

     Yes, Christians look forward to the return of Jesus (Phil. 3:20-21). Through holy living and godliness we are earnestly desiring the day of God (2 Pet. 3:11-12). If we are not faithful and wise servants of God, the day of the Lord will overtake us and we will be devoured in His righteous judgment against sin (Matt. 24:45-51). Can you honestly say you are looking forward to Christ's return? If not, then repent, obey the gospel and faithfully serve Him today (Heb. 3:13). "Even so, come, Lord Jesus!" (Rev. 22:20)

Staged Sorrow
Joe R. Price