WHY I EMPHASISE THE SUBJECT OF THE SAVIOUR’S RETURN.

Part 1.

Preached in Coragarry Free Presbyterian Church, Co. Monaghan in the Republic of Ireland.

“And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?” Matthew 24:3.

This chapter 24 of Matthew’s gospel begins with a prophetic picture of the character of the last days of this age: “And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple.” 

The chapter ends with the penalty paid for a false profession of faith, verse 51. “And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

Such is a feature of the last days: “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away,” 2 Timothy 3:5.

I wish to look afresh at a subject which I have often preached upon and that increasingly as I grow older! 

This my topic today.

1. Because we have a situation at present akin to that which faced Paul in Thessalonica. 2 Thess 2:1-3. “Let no man deceive you by any means.” Deception was at work causing some to believe Christ would come at any moment. Today, it is the opposite! There is an attitude of a careless ignoring of the subject of Christ’s return and many Christians live as if He will never return!! Matthew 25:1-5 shows that the Saviour knew this would be case and warns of the carelssness which would mark the latter-day church. 

That must be corrected by showing what the Bible says on this vital subject.

2. Because it does provide us with light at the end of a long dark tunnel! “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts,” 2 Peter 1:19. Taking heed to what the Bible says on this subject is sadly neglected!

3. Because it is a subject that God has emphasised in Holy Scripture. The very first ‘prophecy’ we have refers to the return of Christ. “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel,” Genesis 3:15. Satan’s head was ‘bruised’ at Calvary, the outworking of which will be seen at the return of the Saviour when His saints will be resurrected and glorified and fully and finally at his casting into the lake of fire, “And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever,” Revelation 20:10.