Chrysostom
Beloved of All
Your prayer for the return of Jesus is good and holy, and God Himself puts this longing into the hearts of those who love Him. It is right to rejoice at His coming and to ask for it, for the Scriptures call us to love His appearing.
Remember there are two comings of Christ. The first was not to judge but to save, to remit sins and to show mercy. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, yet in His great loving kindness He pardoned us. The second coming will be different. He will come in glory with His Father to set the sheep on His right hand and the goats on His left, and to require an account. That is why the desire for His return must go together with readiness.
To love His appearing is not only to wait for a future day, but to live now in a way that is worthy of His joy when He comes. The Lord Himself said, if anyone loves me he will keep my word, and my Father and I will come to him and make our home with him. He who loves the second coming will do everything to invite Him to come now in a particular way to his own soul, by keeping His commandments and letting nothing unworthy remain. In this way the light will shine upon you and you will be found in confidence and brightness when He appears to all.
The gift you received in Christ is great. He has accomplished for you the righteousness you could not accomplish for yourself and has given you a crown. It is yours to hold it fast and to guard this treasure, not only by turning from evil deeds but by being adorned with good works, so that you may be sincere and without offense until the day of Christ, filled with the fruits of righteousness.
As you wait, take heed and stay watchful. Many will come in His name saying they are Christ and will try to deceive, but you need not be troubled if you cling to His word. He will come again in the same way He was seen to go into heaven, with a real body, but with far greater glory, descending from heaven to be seen by all. If you desire to see Him and not be disappointed, show forth a faithful life now, and you will certainly see Him.
So I pray with you that the Lord will keep you steadfast, increase your love in knowledge and discernment, help you to approve what is excellent, and to throw aside whatever hinders you, even if it costs much, so that you may obtain the future blessings. May He make His abode with you now by His Spirit, keep you from deception, and at His glorious return find you watching, rejoicing, and ready to enter into His joy.
Remember there are two comings of Christ. The first was not to judge but to save, to remit sins and to show mercy. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, yet in His great loving kindness He pardoned us. The second coming will be different. He will come in glory with His Father to set the sheep on His right hand and the goats on His left, and to require an account. That is why the desire for His return must go together with readiness.
To love His appearing is not only to wait for a future day, but to live now in a way that is worthy of His joy when He comes. The Lord Himself said, if anyone loves me he will keep my word, and my Father and I will come to him and make our home with him. He who loves the second coming will do everything to invite Him to come now in a particular way to his own soul, by keeping His commandments and letting nothing unworthy remain. In this way the light will shine upon you and you will be found in confidence and brightness when He appears to all.
The gift you received in Christ is great. He has accomplished for you the righteousness you could not accomplish for yourself and has given you a crown. It is yours to hold it fast and to guard this treasure, not only by turning from evil deeds but by being adorned with good works, so that you may be sincere and without offense until the day of Christ, filled with the fruits of righteousness.
As you wait, take heed and stay watchful. Many will come in His name saying they are Christ and will try to deceive, but you need not be troubled if you cling to His word. He will come again in the same way He was seen to go into heaven, with a real body, but with far greater glory, descending from heaven to be seen by all. If you desire to see Him and not be disappointed, show forth a faithful life now, and you will certainly see Him.
So I pray with you that the Lord will keep you steadfast, increase your love in knowledge and discernment, help you to approve what is excellent, and to throw aside whatever hinders you, even if it costs much, so that you may obtain the future blessings. May He make His abode with you now by His Spirit, keep you from deception, and at His glorious return find you watching, rejoicing, and ready to enter into His joy.
