January 18, 2022
For the grace of God which brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. Titus 2 11-13
Beloved, we are rapidly moving through the stream of time toward the great Day of the Lord! When Jesus cited in Matthew 24 the details of what would be going on in the world just before His return, the signs of His coming, it is encouraging to remember that the last detail mentioned (v.14) is wonderful news: “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.”
The return of Jesus will be the complete and final act on our behalf for salvation. His first coming culminated in payment in full of the price of sin: a death of total separation from God. With His own precious blood He paid the penalty of the broken Law. But because He was sinless, death could not hold Him!
And for the one “who endures to the end” (Matthew 24:13), Jesus’ second coming will complete the redemption process, the day for which His people yearn (2 Timothy 4:8).
Sadly, the overall condition of the end-time church is “lukewarm” (Revelation 3:16). But we are told so in order to alert individuals not to stay lukewarm! Jesus is knocking on the door of each heart to awaken us to the real, present danger of blithe complacency leading to backsliding: the “default mode” of human nature. It is vital to understand this prevailing tendency of our fallen human nature! A daily infilling of the Holy Spirit will lead us to the narrow gate (Matthew 7:14).
For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. 2 Peter 2:21
These are exciting times, filled with challenges to our faith. Our enemy is out to trip us up, but even this is subject to the sovereignty of God. We are forewarned! He graciously allows our faith to be tested and at the same time generously provides for the spiritual safety of every heart that is inclined towards Him.
No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. 1 Corinthians 10:13
“He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.” Job 23:10